This policy supports the Rights Respecting principles adopted by Lady Margaret Primary School and is particular relevant to the following articles:
UNICEF – Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Article 3
The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all things that affect children.
Article 6
Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can to make sure that children survive and develop to their full potential.
Article 24
Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must work to provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment so that children can stay healthy. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.
Article 27
Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical, social and mental needs. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this.
LMPS is dedicated to providing an environment that promotes healthy eating and enabling pupils to make informed choices about the food they eat. This will be achieved by the whole school approach to food and nutrition documented in this whole school food and drink policy.
The policy was formulated through viewpoints sought from pupils, parents and staff.
The nutritional principles of this policy are based on the findings of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of 4 to 18 year olds; the 1991 Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the UK; and the Balance of Good Health (BOGH) (Appendix 1).
The main aims of our school food policy are:
These aims will be addressed through the following areas:
The policy is written with consideration to our school commitment to the Rights of the Child and our achievement of being a Rights Respecting School. It complies with Article 28 of the UNCRC ‘Every child has the right to an education’ as well as Article 24 ‘Every child has the right to the best possible health.
Governments must work to provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment so that children can stay healthy.’
Although direct reference to this is not continuously made, the policy has been written with full awareness of our responsibility and commitment to children’s rights.
In healthy eating, as in all other areas of the curriculum we recognise the value of the individual and strive to provide equal access of opportunity for all.
Food and nutrition is taught at an appropriate level throughout each key stage. It is taught during physical education lessons and it is usually taught through science, PSHE, design and technology and assemblies.
It is also mentioned during mental health discussions – the importance of keeping a healthy lifestyle helps maintain positive mental health.
This is addressed through the follow topics:
TABLE
In EYFS food and nutrition is addressed through physical development, Health and Self Care and is mentioned in the Early Learning Goal for that area as such:
Children know the importance for good health of physical exercise, and a healthy diet, and talk about ways to keep healthy and safe. They manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs successfully, including dressing and going to the toilet independently.
Effective teaching requires pupils to develop their understanding of healthy eating issues and appropriate mskills and attitudes to assist them in making informed decisions. Teaching methods adopted in the classroom offer a rich variety of opportunities for participatory learning and include debating issues, group discussions circle time and role-play.
All staff, including Harrisons (caterers for the school) have a key role in influencing pupils’ knowledge, skills and attitudes about food, so it is important that they are familiar with healthy eating guidelines.
To facilitate this
This school values the contribution made Ealing Health Improvement Team in supporting class teachers and appreciates the valuable contribution of outside agencies. We believe it is the responsibility of LMPS to ensure that the contributions made by visitors to the classroom reflect our own philosophy and approach to the subject. The status of visitors to the school is always checked ensuring that the content of the visitor’s talk is suitable for the ages of the pupils. The school’s code of practice for visiting speakers is adopted.
Resources for the teaching of healthy eating in PSHE have been selected to complement the delivery of the curriculum in other subject areas. Books on healthy living available for pupils in the library.
The healthy eating aspects of the National Curriculum are assessed through Science and PSHE. Lunchtime staff monitor pupil’s choices regarding lunches. Children receive a token, (represents a house point for healthy eating choices), which helps assess their understanding of a healthy diet.
National Nutritional Standards for School Lunches
All school food meets the standards set out by the Children’s Food Trust. Food prepared by the school catering team meets the National Nutritional Standards for School Lunches.
Tuck Shop
A tuck shop is available during break times. It provides a range of snack foods that contribute positively to the BOGH. This includes raisins, pretzels, popcorn and water.
Snacking
The school understands that snacks can be an important part of the diet of young people and can contribute positively towards a balanced diet. EYFS and KS1 are provided a piece of fruit during break time. Early years are provided with milk.
The school discourages the consumption of snacks high in fat and sugar at break-time. Pupils are encouraged to bring in water and a healthy fruit snack for break times.
Food as a reward
The school discourages the regular eating of sweets or other foods high in sugar or fat, especially as a reward for good behaviour or academic or other achievements. Other methods of positive reinforcement are used in school. These include complimentary remarks, stickers, stars, assembly certificates. Food is not used for end-of-term presents to pupils.
For exceptional events such as school discos, food rules may be relaxed with the consultation with the Headteacher. In these cases, healthy options will continue to be provided and encouraged.
Drinking Water
The National Nutritional Standards for Healthy School Lunches recommend that drinking water should be available to all pupils, everyday, and free of charge.
The school agrees with this recommendation and provides a free supply of drinking water. There are water fountains situated in the school playground and water machines placed within the school.
Harrison Catering Service
LMPS uses Harrison Catering Service. They operate on the school premises. Staff have undergone appropriate food hygiene training; the facilities meet appropriate food safety requirements; and that they provide lower fat alternatives to foods and dishes with ingredients in the proportions depicted in the BOGH. (See example of a menu appendix 2)
Packed Lunches
Packed lunches prepared by the school caterers adhere to the National Nutritional Standards for Healthy School Lunches.
The school encourages parents and carers to provide children with packed lunches that complement these standards. This is achieved by promoting healthy packed lunch options using the principles of the BOGH.
Information regarding changes in policy and healthy food support has been shared with parents via the weekly newsletter. This includes:
Special Diets for religious and ethnic groups
The school provides food in accordance with pupils’ religious beliefs and cultural practices. During Eid, parents can request permission for their child to fast during term time (Only for Year 6 – See Fasting Policy).
Halal food is served on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Mondays menu is always meat free.
Vegetarians and Vegans
School caterers offer a vegetarian option at lunch every day. When necessary the school also provides a vegan option.
Food Allergy and Intolerance
Individual care plans are created for pupils with food allergies. These document symptoms and adverse reactions, actions to be taken in an emergency, and emergency contact details. School caterers are made aware of any food allergies/food intolerance and requests for special diets are submitted according to an agreed process. We are a nut-free school.
Food Safety
Appropriate food safety precautions are taken when food is prepared or stored. These vary depending on the food on offer and include: ensuring that adequate storage and washing facilities are available; that food handlers undergo appropriate food hygiene training; and that suitable equipment and protective clothing are available. Any food safety hazards are identified and controlled. We consult our local Environmental Health Department about legal requirements. More information can be found in the Health and Safety Policy and Harrisons website (Appendix 2).
The Eating Environment
Lunchtime takes place in the lower hall. Children eating both packed lunch and Harrison lunch share the dining hall. Children are allocated times for their lunchtime, are encouraged to wash their hands and are provided hand sanitiser before they eat. During the summer term, children can eat their packed lunches outside.
Communication
The Whole School Food Policy will be promoted via school notice boards, posters in reception, the school website, assemblies and newsletters. The Harrison school meals menu is shared with parents at the beginning of each term.
Parents are regularly reminded about healthy eating through newsletters, websites and by staff. The School Business Manager meets regularly with Harrisons to monitor school food choices and menu planning. Our cashless system enables the kitchen to monitor pupil’s choices and incorporate this into menu planning. Children’s viewpoints and monitoring of school food choices also support with menu planning.
If pupils are noted to consistently chose/bring unhealthy packed lunches, parents are contacted to discuss and encourage other options. Food concerns will be discussed with caterers, pupils, parents and staff as the need arises.
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey of 4 to 18 year olds; the 1991 Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the UK; and the Balance of Good Health (BOGH)
More information from Harrisons:
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Approved by:
Teaching & Learning
Date:
12th November 2020
Last reviewed on:
Aug-20
Next review due by:
Aug-21