Staff Health and Wellbeing Policy requirements

One of the requirements for early childhood services applying for their Move Well Eat Well Award is that there is a staff health and wellbeing policy in place OR an OH&S policy which includes a statement such as the following:

Educators and staff are encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity practices to the children and to other staff.

Extra statements which could be included to enhance your services health and wellbeing policy include:

• Our service is committed to providing educators with a safe, healthy and supportive environment in which to work
• We recognise that the health and wellbeing of our workers is important.
• Our service will commit to providing a supportive workplace culture where healthy lifestyle choices are valued and encouraged.
• All staff will receive a copy of workplace policies during the induction process.
• Policies are easily accessible for staff.

Additional strategies you may like to implement at your service and include in your policy:

• Our service promotes healthy eating in the workplace by providing healthy food options where food is provided in the workplace and educating staff about healthy food choices.
• Educators and other staff are encouraged to model healthy eating practices when in the company of children by consuming healthy ‘everyday’ food and drinks  and discussing them in a positive manner.
• Educators are encouraged to actively engage in play with children instead of sitting/standing and watching.
• Educators and staff are encouraged to reduce screen time on smart phones.
• Encourage staff to be more physically active by making provisions in the workplace for activity opportunities (including reducing sitting time where practical).
• Promote awareness of key health issues for staff (including mental wellbeing).
• Encourage staff to provide input into health and wellbeing initiatives.