ECRU Sector Support

September 2026

Australia's first best practice guide for early childhood food environments, launching 22 September

The Best Practice Guide for Early Childhood Education and Care Food Environment launches on 22 September 2026.
It is the first resource of its kind available in Australia.

ECEC food environments shape children’s early food experiences, health, wellbeing, learning and belonging. Services already work within a highly regulated environment, but the detail needed to translate evidence and requirements into everyday food environment practice can be confusing and complicated. 

The national guide was developed through national co-design incorporating voices and perspectives from metropolitan, regional, remote and very remote ECEC contexts, alongside families, allied health professionals, regulatory representatives and peak bodies.

What does it cover?

There are six practical modules that cover mealtime environment and practices; menu and meal quality; food education; sustainable food practices; staff and family engagement; and quality, leadership and governance. Food safety and allergy guidance is integrated across the modules where relevant, and a companion resource will launch with the guide. Services can choose to use one or all six modules. 

Who is it for?

The guide is designed for centre-based and family day care services and for the wider services that support them, including allied health, regulatory and quality staff, health promotion practitioners, RTOs, VET and university educators. 

How do we get it?

All modules are free to download from 22 September at https://ecec-best-practice-guide.com.au. The Guide is funded by Healthway and delivered by Edith Cowan University.

Register for the online launch:

• Tuesday, 22 September 2026
• 9.30–10.30 am WST | 11.30 am–12.30 pm EST.