Why is it important that we as a school encourage healthy eating and drinking? Eating habits- largely shaped by family experiences This changes as children get older Peers and Role models (teachers / TAs) have huge influence on the choices children make Talk here about children spending much of their life in school – establishing their eating habits here – peers etc. School play big part in supporting children to make informed choices about their diets – See British Nutrition Foundation website (BNF) The eating habits of most 5 year olds will have been shaped largely by those of their family but, as they get older, they will begin to accumulate different experiences that may shape their food preferences and dietary patterns, either positively or negatively. Key among these will be the habits and preferences of their friends at school and those with whom they socialise. But increasingly many other influences will begin to take hold, including habits and preferences associated with role models. A basic understanding of the principles of healthy eating can help them to make sensible choices.

Whole school approach lunchtimes school meals and packed lunches, break times, birthday treats and rewards, breakfast clubs, after school provision, events. Learning about food and healthy eating should form part of a whole school approach to health eating:

Food audits- our findings

Change for life https://www.nhs.uk/sugar-smart/home

The children, parents/carers and their families are aware of the healthy eating ethos of the school as it is consistently reflected in before and after school provision, snack and lunchtimes, treats and rewards and role modelling.

Packed Lunches Provide healthy, varied packed lunch Healthy Happy Me recipe book created annually), Healthy eating newsletters packed lunch audits, demonstration/parent workshop. We also advise that for health and safety reasons, if grapes are sent in as a healthy snack, parents cut them lengthways to avoid choking. Children will not be served whole grapes in school.

Water

Food Allergy and Special Diets In order to minimise risk to children with allergies, no home cooked food is to be brought in to class to share, all food shared with children in class parties, etc. must have clearly labelled ingredients.

Happy, healthy me- PSHE

Food and drink in packed lunches: what the policy states Packed lunches should include: at least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables every day. meat, fish or other source of non-dairy protein (e.g. lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, hummus, peanut butter and falafel) every day a starchy food such as any type of bread, pasta, rice, couscous, noodles, potatoes or other type of cereals every day. dairy food such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais or custard everyday only water, still or sparkling, fruit juice, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, yoghurt or milk drinks and smoothies. Food that is discouraged in packed lunches: snacks such as crisps. Instead, include nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit (with no added salt, sugar or fat), savoury crackers or breadsticks served with fruit, vegetables or dairy food are also a good choice. confectionery such as chocolate bars, chocolate-coated biscuits and sweets. Cakes and biscuits are allowed but encourage your child to eat these only as part of a balanced meal. Take-away food (including freshly bought take away food). These are often very high in salt and saturated fat. Meat products such as sausage rolls, individual pies, corned meat and sausages / chipolatas should only be included occasionally.

What should children be eating? using the balance of good health plate discuss each section of the plate. – reinforce all about getting the balance right. There is more information on British Nutritional Foundation website Packed lunch suggestions for each section. Look at poster and discuss- hand out poster.

Break-time Snacking, tuck shop, rewards and treats We do allow children to bring in a small amount of treats for Birthdays, for example mini chocolate bars or party bags with a few treats in, but we politely request that cakes are not brought in to school, due to the disruption caused and health and safety issues when cutting and distributing. What are your thoughts on birthday treats? Yes or no?

1) How can we promote healthy snacks with the support of parents 1) How can we promote healthy snacks with the support of parents? 2) Do you agree with us providing incentives for healthy snacks? If so, to what extent: Raffle tickets for chn? Prizes termly? Any suggestions?