Schools and early childhood services

Munch & Move in Early Childhood Education & Care Services

About

Children who are introduced to healthy behaviours at a young age are more likely to continue healthy behaviours later in life.

Munch & Move is a NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children from birth to 5 years. Munch & Move encourages and supports:

Breastfeeding
Choosing water as a drink
Choosing healthier snacks
Eating more fruit and vegetables
Getting active each day
Turning off the screen and getting active

Resources

Here are some great ideas and resources to promote healthy eating and active living.

Educator resources

- Munch and Move Staff Newsletters
- Munch & Move storybooks
- Displays
- Physical activity/fundamental movement skills
- Australian physical activity guidelines
- Caring for Children manual: Practical information for cooks, directors and educators to meet the food and nutrition needs of children aged from birth to five years, whilst in care.
- Nutrition checklist for 2 week meal planning
- Healthy eating resources and recipes

Parent and carer resources

Live Life Well @ School

Live Life Well @ School is supported in NSW primary schools to promote healthy eating and physical activity to students. Key actions include:

Get active each day
Eat more fruit and vegetables
Choose water as a drink
Switch off the screen and get active
Choose healthy snacks

Here is all the information teachers, parents and carers and canteen managers need to promote healthy eating and active living to primary school aged kids.

Teacher resources

Parent and carer resources

School kitchen garden network and resources

Our School Kitchen Garden Resources provides online links to gardening, classroom and curriculum resources as well as grant information and books.

The Northern Rivers School garden network meeting notes and presentations can be viewed below.

2025

February: meeting notes and recording

Term 1: Garden and Nature Corner article

Term 2: Garden and Nature Corner article

Term 3: Garden and Nature Corner article

Term 4: Garden and Nature Corner article

2024

September: meeting minutes and presentation slides

November: meeting minutes and recording

If you would like to be added to our garden network email list to receive resources, grant information and network meeting notices email corinne.martin@health.nsw.gov.au.

School canteens

Northern NSW Canteen Network is a closed Facebook group that supports Northern NSW Canteens
Fresh for Kids is a great website promoting fruit and veg, with resources for teachers and kids
NSW Healthy School Canteens website provides the department's Healthy School Canteens Strategy along with helpful tools and tips to support implementation

Reduce Risk, Increase Student Knowledge (RRISK)

Since its inception in 2000 in Northern NSW, RRISK has provided valuable education to Year 11 students around reducing risks associated with alcohol and drug use, driving, and celebrating. More recently, the program transitioned to online delivery via webinars. We acknowledge and appreciate the strong support schools have shown for the program over many years.

In line with emerging youth health priorities, our team is currently focusing efforts on addressing the issue of youth vaping. We will be offering education and support for High Schools through the Clouded Minds program.

Clouded Minds is a culturally appropriate, face to face program being offered across the Northern NSW footprint for years 7-9. The program is designed to educate and empower high school students about the risks of vaping and provide practical strategies to manage nicotine dependence.

We welcome any questions or expressions from interest from schools wishing to be involved. If you would like more information about Clouded Minds, please contact NNSWLHD-Smokefree@health.nsw.gov.au

Check out our healthy recipes

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