Contextual Influences on the Success of Healthy Eating Policies and Practices in Australian Early Childhood Education Centres: A Qualitative Study with Directors

Background/Objectives: Early childhood education and care is an ideal setting to promote healthy eating behaviours in young children. However, successful implementation and sustainment of healthy eating policies and practices remains a key challenge in the Australian early childhood education and care (ECEC) context. This study aimed to understand the contextual factors influencing early childhood education directors’ decisions to implement healthy eating policies and practices. Methods: Twelve directors from centre-based long day care centres in New South Wales, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research. Results: Directors (n = 12) described alignment with centre values and goals, compatibility with work infrastructure, local champions to lead implementation, and external partnerships with government support services as key facilitators. Directors identified a need for further support to address factors within the broader ECEC sector. Directors described a lack of external partnerships with the community, competing demands for available resources, unrealistic expectations from guidelines and parents, and inconsistent practices across settings as factors inhibiting implementation success. Conclusions: Implementation and sustainment of healthy eating policies and practices can be improved by strengthening parent and community partnerships, investment in the workforce, and a coordinated approach to the provision of support.