Cornwall Healthy Schools Case Study

Transcription

1 Cornwall Healthy Schools Case Study School name: Treloweth School Date: A picture of our school general information: Situated in the largest urban area in the county, comprising of Camborne, Pool and Redruth, Treloweth School has 435 children on roll with 205 children who are assigned to the Pupil Premium Group. The area is characterised by pockets of intense deprivation and according to the Camborne, Pool and Redruth Community Network Area Report, 1 in 4 residents live in the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England which are known to have the poorest health outcomes. As part of a research project for the Centre for Social Justice the Guardian Newspaper reported that children often come into school "unkempt and unclean" and that some are not yet toilet-trained, even at age seven. They continued to report that some children in the area, at schools three miles from the coast, have never seen the sea. Among their parents, two major problems are unemployment and domestic violence, with a third of working-age people claiming out-of-work benefits on some estates in both Camborne and Redruth. In 2015 across Camborne, Pool and Redruth 27% of children in Reception class were found to be overweight or obese with a further 36% in Year 6. Prior to the commencement of this case study some parents have reported experiencing difficulties in providing nutritionally balanced packed lunches with the main reason being financial limitations. Area of focus: According to Public Health England, priorities in Cornwall are reducing smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, excess alcohol, and lack of social connections. In our school, following concerns from members of staff, including lunchtime supervisors and an initial audit of packed lunches it became clear that although the majority of lunches contained recommended foods from the Eat Well plate model including; a starchy food (bread / pasta), dairy products, protein and some fruit and vegetables, there were also a number of high fat, high salt foods such as crisps, chocolate and sugary drinks. It was also clear that the fruit and vegetable content could be increased. As Healthy Schools

2 champion, I set out to improve the nutritional quality of packed lunches and other foods taken into school to ensure that packed lunches brought from home and consumed in school (or on school trips) provided children with healthy food that is similar in its nutritional value to food served in schools. All Pupils were consulted through the use of class discussions and surveys completed. It was intended that all children would be included in the initial audit of packed lunches and all parents would be involved in the initial consultation. Children from years 2 6 would then be invited with their parents to the Pack a balanced lunch workshop. The reason for the omission of children in Reception and Year 1 was that they are entitled to universal free school meals which the majority take up. The invitation would be extended to Year 2 even though they are also entitled to free school meals as these children would soon be moving to KS2 and would no longer hold his entitlement. Actions taken: Following the initial audit of packed lunches, I wrote to all parents to inform them of the results and to highlight recommendations (see appendix 1). All parents were also provided with a packed lunch hints and tips leaflet (see appendix 2). I also invited the parents of children in years 2 6 to attend a pack a balanced lunch workshop. To make the event widely accessible, it was made available between the hours of 1pm 5pm with families being invited to attend in small groups on an appointment basis. I worked collaboratively with a team of staff from across the school, including the catering manager, teaching assistants and our specialist PE co-ordinator to organise the event which was attended by 50 children and their parents / carers. At the event, I discussed the recommendations and the children were encouraged to create a nutritionally balanced lunch from a choice of foods as recommended by the Eat Well Plate model, including a starchy food, a non-dairy source of protein, oily fish, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, and bottled water. There was a dialogue between the children, parents and staff attending the event. Children were listened to; they shared their preferences and were encouraged to experiment with different tastes and food groups which they may not have previously experienced for example hummus, egg as a sandwich filling and tuna. There was a real buzz of excitement at the event and comments from the children included Wow, we get to pack our own lunch! I can t wait to eat my fruit salad and I ve never tried hummus before, I wonder what it tastes like. The children were then encouraged to bring their packed lunch to school to consume the following lunchtime. See appendix 3 for photographs of the events.

3 What difference did it make to the pupils? Following the Pack a Balanced Lunch event, I completed a further audit of packed lunches. The data has been collated and broken down for each class and presented in the form of a table. See appendix 4. The table in appendix 4 demonstrates changes and improvements which have occurred across the population surveyed. At the beginning of this study, a high percentage of salty and sweet snacks were being consumed by pupils. When this was reviewed three months later, all classes taking part have recorded a reduction in their intake of salty and sugary snacks. Of the 10 classes taking part, 7 initially recorded the use of sweet fillings (jam / chocolate spread) in their sandwiches with one class recording a high of 25%. Following the recent audit, 6 of the 7 classes have reduced or eliminated the use of jam or chocolate spread as a sandwich filling. One class have recorded a reduction from 25% - 9% and another from 21% - 0%. It is also important to note here that in the first audit many of the sweet snacks were full sized chocolate bars. However in the final audit, all sweet snacks were treat size and many children had swapped packets of crisps for cheese biscuits (mini cheddars) or mini bags of breadsticks. Highlights of data by class; Class 1 - Improved their intake of fruit and vegetables from 0% to 75% and 25% respectively. - Salted snack intake reduced from 66% - 25% Class 2 - Increased consumption of fruit and vegetables from 38% - 100% and 25% - 63% respectively - Reduced salty and sugary snack intake from 83% - 63% Class 3 - Increased uptake of fruit and vegetables 45% - 100% and 25% to 81% respectively - Salty and sugary snacks reduced from 73% to 45% and 82% to 55% respectively Class 4

4 - Fruit consumption increased from 57% to 100% - Sweet sandwich filling reduced from 21% - 0% Class 5 - Fruit intake increased from 63% to 100% - Sweet and salty snacks reduced from 100% to 69% and 85% to 63% respectively Class 6 - Improved their intake of fruit and vegetables from 63% - 94% and 19% to 38% respectively. - Sweet and salted snacks reduced from 100% - 67% and 81% to 69% respectively. Class 7 - There was a dramatic increase in the vegetables contained in these lunchboxes with an increase of 45% from 45% to 90%! Fruit intake also increased from 73% to 100%. - Sweet and salty snacks reduced from 100% to 68% and 100% to 72% respectively Class 8 - Sweet sandwich filling reduced from 9% - 0% - Increased consumption of fruit and vegetables from 72% - 80% and 37% - 45% respectively - Salty and sugary snacks reduced from 73% to 65% and 70% to 55% respectively Class 9 - Improved their intake of fruit and vegetables from 64% - 100% and 9% to 25% respectively. - Sweet and salty snacks reduced from 100% to 64% and 100% to 72% respectively Class 10 - Fruit consumption increased from 60% to 81% - Salty and sugary snacks reduced from 81% to 60% and 100% to 75% respectively - The percentage of lunchboxes containing a juice drink reduced from 50% to 13%

5 It is clear from looking at the data and particularly the highlights by class, to see that there have been many positive changes made. The children understand what constitutes a balanced diet and the impact of their food choices. It has become evident through class discussions and dialogue which arose while completing the final packed lunch audit, that the children are taking greater ownership and responsibly for healthy food choices. Children are asking questions like Is it ok to have crisps if I balance them with fruit and vegetables? and saying things like I have a cake bar so I asked Mum not to pack crisps as well Another child commented I tried sweetcorn and lettuce at the event and I now include it in my wrap every day. It is wonderful to hear the children recognising that they have choice and striving to achieve a nutritionally balanced lunch. Of course, we also recognise that the support of the parents is crucial. Many parents were enthused by the initial correspondence sent home and the hints and tips leaflet. Following this correspondence, we had children reporting changes to their lunch box with immediate effect. One child commented, Since receiving the letter, I now have ham in my sandwiches instead of chocolate spread. In addition, the Pack a Balanced Lunch event allowed children and their Parents and Carers to see it in action. Many parents were surprised with how much their children were willing to try and the majority of parents have since provided positive feedback on the event with comments including; The event raised an interest in healthy foods for all of our children. They all really enjoyed the options they were given. This was a great event to get my child to try foods that he normally would not consider at home. He is now having brown bread sandwiches. The children really enjoyed the event. Sam said it was the best! It s good to know that what children eat is being monitored in school, when brought from home. Lovely event, made to feel very welcome (including siblings) Thank you. My child is now willing to have ham and sweetcorn as well as ham and cucumber in sandwiches. This event was formative and fun for the children! This was the first time my daughter had tried hummus. She enjoyed it with the veg sticks.

6 It was great for the children to have the opportunity to experiment with foods they wouldn t normally have tried. Veg pasta was a real hit! Great session. My child tried all the foods and enjoyed each of them. Gave us some good ideas for future years at school (when he starts having packed lunch in Year 3) thank you. The kids really enjoyed making / picking their own lunch. This event was a very positive way of helping my child to think about how important healthy eating is. What were the wider impacts on the school? As a whole school approach was adopted, teachers across the school have commented that they feel they have a greater awareness of what should be included in packed lunches and that they have increased insight as to what is being included. They feel more confident with the promotion of healthy eating and encouraging and supporting children with their choices. Teachers have also commented that children were keen to discuss healthy eating and share positive changes made following circle times, completion of questionnaires and packed lunch audits. The wider community were involved through Parents / Carers which included grandparents, younger (non-school age) siblings and extended family members being encouraged to attend and welcomed to the event with the children. Through the promotion, delivery and evaluation of this focussed work, I have had the the opportunity to work with children and their families from across the school, some of whom I have not previously worked with. In addition, this work has highlighted how well all members of staff at Treloweth work together towards a shared aim of improving outcomes for all. Mrs May, Head teacher has commented; The Pack a Balanced Lunch project has had a very positive impact on the school community. Children have a good awareness of the choices they are making and are increasingly keen to try different foods. There is a direct correlation between energy

7 levels and the ability to stay focussed and attentive when a nutritious and balanced meal is eaten. An improvement in sustained learning and physical well-being should be seen. The project has served to raise awareness throughout the school and improve and increase healthier options What are the key things that made this work? From the outset, I have been in communication with Mrs May (Head teacher) and Mr Callaway (Deputy Head teacher). Both Mrs May and Mr Callaway have supported the project and have inputted relevant knowledge and expertise throughout. I have had the support of all teaching and support staff throughout the school from Reception through to Year 6, from delivering circle times (discussing what constitutes a healthy diet) to carrying out questionnaires and lunch box audits. Furthermore, all staff positively promoted the Pack a Balanced Lunch event and encouraged parents to return their feedback. The event itself was successful I believe for the following reasons; 1. It was well planned and advertised through written communication, posters on classroom doors and our schools Facebook page. 2. There was sufficient budget made available to cater for the event. 3. There was support and involvement from Chartwells (kitchen catering), who provided plastic containers and paper bags for packaging. 4. Families were allocated 15 minute time slots and younger (non-school age) children were welcomed and involved in the event. 5. I was allocated a suitable amount of time to prepare, organise and deliver with the support of Teaching Assistants from across the school and our specialist PE co-ordinator. 6. Parents supported the event by attending and having an open, positive attitude. 7. Children were open to the experience and willing to try things that they had never tried before. In addition to the points mentioned above, following communication sent home and the Pack a Balanced Lunch event, children have been recognised and praised for making healthy choices and bringing nutritionally balanced packed lunches to school which has provided reinforcement and encouragement for the children and their families.

8 What will you do next? In the forthcoming year, the plan is to continue to promote nutritionally balanced lunchboxes through continued correspondence with current parents, circle time discussions with the children and a positive, encouraging presence in the lunch hall, providing the children with encouragement and positive reinforcement of healthy choices. In addition, new parents including those with children starting in EYFS will receive the communication previously provided as part of their induction to school. Furthermore I would like to work on reducing the % of lunchboxes containing salty and sugary snacks and consider the impact that such snacks have on children s behaviour for learning while working closely with the pastoral team.