“I need energy to make my brain work”: Supporting children, teachers and whānau through the KidsCan ECE programme

The KidsCan ECE programme is designed to remove barriers to participation in early childhood education through the provision of raincoats, shoes, nit treatment products, lunches and snacks. Data from an evaluation of the pilot programme involved surveys and interviews with whānau and teachers. Findings showed the benefits for children’s health and attendance, although not every child experienced the same beneficial changes. This article considers some of the key findings of the evaluation in relation to participation, nutrition, wellbeing and learning and, recognising not all services have access to the KidsCan programme, discusses the potential value for all children of shared eating and cooking experiences.