What's new
How did the project come about?
This project came about because there were no nutrition and food safety units of competency specifically for out of school hours care (OOSHC) staff. The aim was to design a nutrition and food safety training package for OOSHC staff.
Project overview
The project involved developing a two-day training package known as Food is Fun (FIF), which is aligned to the Children’s Services National Competency Standard CHCCN3C Prepare nutritionally balanced food in a safe and hygienic manner. Participants completing FIF receive a Statement of Attainment for this competency standard which can contribute towards Certificate IV in Out of School Hours Care or a Diploma of Out of School Hours Care.
The package includes training outlines and resources for presenters, and information, worksheets and assessments for participants. The NRG @ OOSH Manual (see case study) is linked to this training as support material.
Twelve qualified trainers and assessors employed by Network of Community Activities received training in the content and presentation of FIF.
Process evaluation is conducted with trainers and participants at the end of each training course. Participants also must successfully complete assessment tasks before receiving a Statement of Attainment.
What worked well?
To date, five courses have been conducted and 49 OOSHC staff have completed training. Positive feedback from participants indicates they found the course materials were useful and covered all aspects of before and after school care.
The project strengthened the partnership between Network of Community Activities, the Health Promotion Service of SESIAHS and Central Coast Nutrition Department (NSCCAHS), which helped to make the NRG @ OOSH Manual available to all OOSHC services in NSW. These three organisations have continued to work together on food and nutrition issues for the OOSHC sector.
Evaluation
Evaluation of FIF provided valuable feedback that was used in a recent review of the training package materials. Some aspects of the package have been improved, such as incorporating assessment marking sheets and participant evaluation forms, and ensuring the content is in line with the new quality assurance guidelines for OOSHC .
Where to now?
Network of Community Activities continues to offer FIF for OOSHC staff. Evaluation will continue to occur after each course, using the recently modified evaluation forms.
