POLICY DOCUMENT. Food and Nutrition. Written By Ann Cluett January 2018 Review v1.1

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1 POLICY DOCUMENT Food and Nutrition Name Date Written By Ann Cluett January 2018 Review v1.1

2 Vision The staff, governors and pupils at Leesons Primary School seek to teach children how to develop and follow a fit and healthy lifestyle by promoting healthy eating and drinking habits for life. Aims Proper nutrition is essential for good health and effective learning. We aim to: Provide a consistent programme of cross-curricular nutrition education that enables pupils to make informed choices without guilt or anxiety; Work in partnership with catering staff to ensure that nutritional standards are implemented by providing attractive, value for money meals that are appropriate to local needs; Work in partnership to achieve a pleasant and social dining experience which enhances the social development of each pupil; Involve pupils and parents in all decision making. Snacks Children are encouraged to bring healthy snacks to school, including fruit, vegetables and yogurts. Sweets are banned. Parents are encouraged to note additives contained in sweets and food and to consider their effect on children s health and behaviour. Breakfast: Toast, cereal and milk are available (separate daily menu). Packed Lunches: Parents providing packed lunches are also encouraged to give children healthy options. Guidance is issued to parents. School Catering: We believe that the subtle messages that pupils receive about food and health from the daily life of school are as important as those given during lessons, e.g. school menus, peer pressure to eat certain snacks in packed lunches. By working together, we promote healthier eating habits. School lunchtime menus are agreed between the school and catering company; Termly theme days are linked to curriculum areas or calendar events; All children are given a portion of vegetables as part of their meals. They are encouraged to try some, even if it is a small portion;

3 Due to the large difference in calorie requirements between infants and juniors, portion sizes are adjusted accordingly; Subsidised milk is available for the nursery children; Subsidised fruit is available for the infants. What are the compulsory standards? The standards state that the daily lunch for primary schools must contain at least one item from each of the following food groups: Starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. Starchy food cooked in oil or fat should not be served more than three times per week; Fruit and a vegetable must be available every day. Fruit based desserts must be available twice per week; Milk and dairy foods; Meat, fish and alternative sources of protein. Red meat must be served at least twice a week. Fish must be served once a week; Cheese may be included in the meat/fish protein group for primary aged children. Free School Meals The school recognises the particular value of school meals to children from lowincome families. The system for free school meals is actively promoted to parents by the school and a non-discriminatory process is emphasised. All infant pupils are eligible for a free school meal. School Ethos, Environment and Organisation The school recognises: The importance of lunchtime organisation on the behaviour of pupils. The value of promoting social skills. Teachers, caterers and lunchtime organisers work together to create a good dining room ambience and the development of appropriate table manners. Non-teaching staff are supported by the School Behaviour Policy. Reception children are encouraged to have school meals to support the development of social skills and to promote acceptance of a wide range of foods.

4 Five a Day Children are encouraged to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. We have joined the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme so that all infant children receive at least one portion of fruit or vegetable a day in school. Nuts In view of the fact that we have an increasing number of children with nut allergies, we request that products containing nuts are not brought into school. Water Children are encouraged to bring a water bottle to drink from during the day. They are only allowed water. Fruit juice or an alternative drink may be taken at lunch time. Curriculum Healthy eating is taught through the PSHCE curriculum. External events Adults organising external events are asked to comply with the school s food policy, avoiding giving children sweets and promoting healthy eating as fun. What makes a good Lunch Box? One which tastes good and looks appetising; Contains a variety of food which contributes to a healthy diet; Is low in salt and saturated fats; Features starchy foods (about 1/3 of our diet should be made up of this group) e.g. bread preferably wholemeal, wholegrain rice and pasta as well as potatoes; Includes fruit and vegetables fresh, canned, frozen or dried (we need to eat at least 5 portions every day) potatoes do not count! Sometimes includes a treat such as a small cake or muffin. Never contains fizzy sugary drinks Limit crisps;

5 Always include a thirst quenching drink, ideally plain water, milk, or an unsweetened fruit-based drink.