Nourishing Little Minds and Growing Bodies
Aligned with the Nutrition Australia Dietary Guidelines
At Aspire, we believe food is more than just nutrition—it’s an experience that shapes healthy habits and positive relationships with food from a young age. Rooted in the Dietary Guidelines Australia, we focus on variety, balance, and thoughtful eating to support children’s growth and development.
Our meals are designed to provide a colourful variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meats, and dairy, ensuring children receive all the nutrients they need. We prioritise healthy proteins like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes to fuel their growth. By minimising sugar and salt, we focus on whole, unprocessed foods to support long-term health, and we encourage water as the drink of choice.
We understand that portion sizes should match children’s age and energy needs, helping them develop healthy eating habits and avoid overeating. At Aspire, we offer high-quality ingredients and balanced meal options that are both nourishing and enjoyable, fostering a love for healthy eating while adhering to the Dietary Guidelines Australia.
Our Nutritional Approach at Aspire
Our approach also caters to picky eaters, food preferences, and cultural diversity, ensuring every child’s needs are met. We don’t just want to nourish children, we aim to make food fun, inviting, and a source of curiosity. By creating meals that delight and inspire, we help children form a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime.
We believe that creating a positive relationship with food is about more than just nutrition, it’s about fostering an experience that supports healthy habits and a lifelong love of wholesome eating. When designing our menu, we take into account the needs of picky eaters, allergies, food preferences and cultural diversity and that every child is unique and has different preferences.
Our approach goes beyond providing nutritious meals; we want to create an experience where children feel excited to eat. We are committed to making food enjoyable, so we can nurture a healthy relationship with food from a young age.
Our Passionate Centre Chefs
Our Aspire chefs and assistant chefs play a vital role in creating a nutritious and engaging dining experience for children. They follow a structured daily routine, ensuring all meals are prepared with the highest standards of health, safety, and hygiene in accordance with food safety regulations and industry best practices. Our kitchen operates under strict policies, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) guidelines, to maintain food safety and quality at every stage of meal preparation.
Our chefs are fully certified professionals who undergo continuous training to stay updated with the latest nutritional guidelines set by Dietary Australia. They carefully design menus that meet children’s dietary needs while incorporating seasonal produce, diverse cultural influences, and allergy considerations. What sets us apart is our collaborative approach, our chefs not only create well-balanced meals but also engage children and families in the menu development process. By introducing new flavours and encouraging children to explore different cuisines, we foster a love for healthy eating.
A Taste of Aspire: Menu Highlights
Fresh and Seasonal Ingredients
We take pride in selecting high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create nutritious and delicious meals that support healthy growth and development. By rotating our menus with the seasons, we ensure children enjoy a variety of flavours, colours, and textures while benefiting from peak-fresh, nutrient-rich produce. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables enhances immunity, brain development, and overall well-being, reinforcing our commitment to mindful nutrition and fostering lifelong healthy eating habits.
In the warmer months, our menus feature refreshing summer produce, including juicy berries, cucumbers, sweet corn, tomatoes, and basil, bringing light and vibrant flavours to each meal. As the seasons shift, we embrace autumn’s rich bounty with pumpkin, pears, apples, and hearty squash, introducing warm and comforting dishes. During the cooler months, we highlight root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips, along with citrus fruits like oranges and mandarins. Spring menus welcome fresh peas, asparagus, strawberries, and leafy greens, celebrating the renewal of flavours after winter.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through Food
At Aspire, we embrace cultural diversity through our thoughtfully designed meal plans, introducing children to a variety of global cuisines. Our chefs craft menus that celebrate different cultures, incorporating authentic flavours and ingredients while ensuring all meals are nutritious and balanced. By exposing children to diverse foods, we encourage an appreciation for different traditions, tastes, and textures, fostering inclusivity and curiosity from a young age.
These culturally rich meals not only support healthy eating habits but also create opportunities for meaningful conversations about heritage and identity. Families are invited to share their own cultural influences, helping us tailor menus that reflect the diverse backgrounds within our community. Through this approach, we transform mealtime into an enriching experience that nurtures respect, connection, and a sense of belonging for every child.
Meals That Are Nutritionally Balanced
All our meals are meticulously designed to be nutritionally balanced, ensuring that children receive the right mix of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats to support their growth and development. Our chefs follow dietary guidelines and work with seasonal, fresh ingredients to create meals that not only taste great but also meet the nutritional needs of children at every stage. By offering a variety of wholesome options, we promote healthy eating habits and ensure that each meal is both nourishing and enjoyable.
Nursery – Formula, Feeding and Milk
We understand the importance of individualised care when it comes to milk, breastfeeding, and formula requirements. We work closely with families to ensure that each child's specific feeding needs are met, whether they are breastfeeding, receiving formula, or transitioning to solid foods. For breastfeeding parents, we provide a comfortable and supportive environment, offering private spaces for breastfeeding or expressing milk. For children on formula, we ensure that their preferred formula is properly prepared according to each child’s needs. Our staff is trained to handle all feeding requirements with the utmost care and attention, promoting a nurturing and flexible approach that supports both the child and family’s preferences.
More Than Just Food – Celebrating Special Moments and Events
We believe that celebrations are a special time to bring families together, and our chefs take great pride in creating memorable experiences through food. Birthdays are always a highlight, with our talented chefs baking delicious, beautifully presented cakes that make each celebration feel truly unique.
We are known for hosting exceptional events that bring our families and communities closer together. From Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events to community breakfasts, cultural celebrations, and open days, every occasion is thoughtfully planned and deeply rooted in connection, warmth, and togetherness. Food is always at the heart of these gatherings, from handcrafted savoury bites to sweet treats—reflecting our ongoing commitment to quality, creativity, and love. More than just food, it’s a way for us to connect, celebrate milestones together, and build a stronger, more vibrant community around the children we care for.
Caring for Every Child’s Dietary Needs
Managing Allergies and Food Intolerances with Care
We take allergies and intolerances very seriously to ensure the safety and well-being of every child. Our chefs work closely with families to identify any specific dietary needs and ensure that all meals are prepared with the utmost care. We have clear policies and procedures in place to handle common allergens such as eggs, gluten, dairy, nuts, and others, ensuring that all food is free from cross-contamination.
For children with allergies or intolerances, we offer alternative options that meet their nutritional needs while ensuring they don't miss out on delicious, balanced meals. Our team is trained to recognise the signs of allergic reactions and follows strict protocols to handle allergens safely. By creating customised menus, we ensure that every child enjoys a variety of tasty and safe food options without compromising on quality or nutrition.
Our Nut-Free Commitment
We prioritise the safety of all children and have implemented strict nut-free policies to prevent any risk of allergic reactions. Our kitchen follows comprehensive procedures to ensure that no nuts are used in any of our meals, and we carefully source ingredients to guarantee they are free from nuts and nut traces. Additionally, our staff is trained to handle food with the utmost care to avoid cross-contamination, and we clearly communicate our nut-free policy to families to ensure everyone is on the same page. This commitment to being nut-free provides peace of mind for parents and ensures a safe, inclusive environment for all children at Aspire.
Anaphylaxis Procedure
At Aspire, we have a robust anaphylaxis procedure in place to ensure the safety of every child. Our staff are fully trained in first aid and anaphylaxis management, with regular refresher courses to stay up-to-date on best practices. We work closely with families to develop individual action plans for children at risk, ensuring that all relevant information is clearly communicated and easily accessible. In the event of an emergency, our staff are equipped to act swiftly and follow a clear, step-by-step procedure to manage the situation.
Additionally, we take proactive measures to prevent allergic reactions by closely monitoring meal preparation, ensuring that all food is free from allergens and adhering to our nut-free policy.
Supporting Other Dietary Needs
At Aspire, we are committed to respecting and accommodating the diverse religious and dietary beliefs of our families. We work closely with parents to ensure that all meals align with their child's specific religious dietary requirements, such as avoiding pork or following other dietary restrictions related to faith. Our chefs are well-versed in preparing meals that adhere to these needs, ensuring that each child receives nutritious and delicious food that respects their beliefs.
In addition to religious dietary needs, we also cater to a range of other dietary preferences and requirements. We also understand the importance of providing balanced, flavourful meals for children who follow plant-based diets, ensuring they get the necessary nutrients without compromising on taste or variety. Whether it’s accommodating food allergies, intolerances, or personal preferences, our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all children feel comfortable and well-cared-for.
What Meal Time Looks Like at Aspire
Creating Relaxed and Positive Mealtimes
We believe in creating a positive and relaxed mealtime experience for children. Meals and snacks are scheduled throughout the day to ensure children are well-nourished and have the energy they need for their activities. Typically, we serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, along with morning and afternoon tea to accommodate the children’s needs. Each mealtime is thoughtfully spaced to allow children to enjoy their food without feeling rushed.
Encouraging Mindful Eating and Healthy Habits
We promote mindful eating, encouraging children to listen to their bodies and eat at their own pace. Our approach is centered around allowing children to eat when they are hungry, without forcing them to finish everything on their plate. This fosters a healthy relationship with food, helping children develop a positive attitude toward eating.
Learning Through Sharing Family-Style
Meals are served in a family-style setting, where children sit together, fostering a sense of community and connection. Each meal is individually plated, allowing for personalisation based on the child’s preferences and dietary requirements. By creating this nurturing, relaxed atmosphere, we aim to make mealtime an enjoyable experience that encourage sharing, social interaction and supports healthy eating habits.
Fueling Early Learning Through Nutrition
We are huge on the power of hands-on learning, and our cooking programs and vegetable gardens play a key role in this. Our cooking programs are designed to introduce children to the joys of food preparation and healthy eating, teaching them valuable skills that will last a lifetime.
Hands-On Cooking Experiences
These programs are not just about cooking; they are an opportunity for children to explore the ingredients, learn about nutrition, and develop a deeper appreciation for the food they eat. The children are actively involved in the process, from selecting ingredients to preparing meals, helping them build confidence and excitement around food.
Our Herb & Veggie Gardens
Most of our Aspire centres also features herb and vegetable gardens, where children can get their hands dirty and learn about growing their own food. These gardens offer a practical, interactive way for children to connect with nature, understand where food comes from, and gain a sense of accomplishment as they see their plants grow.
Food & Nutrition FAQ’s
Why is good nutrition important in childcare?
At Aspire, we are passionate about good nutrition because it forms the foundation of a child’s growth, development, and their lifelong relationship with food. Nutritious meals not only support healthy physical development, but also enhance brain function, boost energy levels, and strengthen the immune system. We understand that a balanced diet helps children focus, learn, and engage in physical activities, setting them up for success throughout the day. By promoting healthy eating habits early on, we aim to instill a positive relationship with food that will influence their future choices and help reduce the risk of health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
How are new foods introduced to children?
New foods are introduced to children in a gradual and positive manner, making mealtime an exciting and enjoyable experience. We encourage curiosity and openness to trying new tastes by offering a variety of flavours, textures, and colours. Children are given the opportunity to explore and taste new foods at their own pace without pressure.
What happens if I am breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding, we fully support your choices and provide a comfortable and private space for breastfeeding or expressing milk. We work closely with parents to ensure that their child's feeding needs are met. If you prefer to breastfeed your child during the day, we will accommodate this and provide any necessary storage for expressed milk.
What if my child is a picky eater?
If your child is a picky eater, we take a patient and understanding approach, offering a variety of foods to explore and gradually introducing new items. Our chefs and educators are highly passionate about nutrition and encouraging healthy eating, which means we are deeply involved in supporting even the fussiest of eaters. We design meals with picky eaters in mind, ensuring they are fun, visually appealing, and diverse. Our chefs use creative presentation to entice children to try different foods, and we continuously work to make mealtimes enjoyable and engaging. We also communicate closely with parents to ensure that their child’s preferences are considered while still gently encouraging them to expand their tastes. Above all, we are continually finding new ways to inspire children to enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
What if my child doesn’t eat?
If your child doesn’t eat, we take a patient and understanding approach, trying to understand the reasons behind their reluctance, whether it’s due to a specific food preference, discomfort, or other factors. We don’t believe in force-feeding but instead create a calm and supportive environment that encourages mindful eating, allowing children to eat at their own pace. If a child refuses to eat entirely, we will let you know and work together to come up with a plan to address the issue. Our goal is always to ensure that mealtime remains a positive experience, not a stressful one, while supporting your child's needs and preferences.
Are all meals and snacks included in Aspire’s fees?
Yes, all meals and snacks are included in Aspire’s fees. We ensure that children are provided with healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks throughout the day, without any additional costs to families. This is part of our commitment to making childcare as convenient and supportive as possible for parents.
Where does Aspire source ingredients from?
We source our ingredients from trusted suppliers, focusing on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. We prioritise quality and sustainability when selecting our ingredients. Some of our centres also partner with well-known brands like Woolworths to ensure the best possible food options for our children, supporting both local and national supply chains.
Can I see the menu in advance?
Yes, parents are welcome to view the menu in advance. We provide a clear and accessible menu that outlines the meals and snacks children will be enjoying. This allows parents to stay informed about their child’s diet and ensure it meets any specific dietary needs or preferences.
