Healthy eating in childhood:

• Can help improve performance in class and at play
• Can help improve concentration
• Meets children’s nutrients needs for growth and development
• Encourages good eating habits for life

Why have a healthy eating policy?

• It improves the nutrition standard and eating habits of all in the school
• If helps to clarify the school’s position on foods encouraged/discouraged
• It acts as a guideline for any new staff or families joining the school
• It ensures that the message children receive from both teachers and parents is consistent.
• It ensures that what is taught at home and in the classroom is put into practice

Lunch breaks:

• Children will be given sufficient time in the classroom to eat their lunch
  

School curriculum:

• Healthy eating will be taught as part of S.P.H.E. (the social, personal and health education programme) throughout the year
  

• Food safety and hygiene will be promoted in the school and at home i.e. washing of hands, storing of food and a clean place to eat.
• Healthy foods and drinks will be available and encouraged at school events such as Sports day and school tours.
• Children’s individual diet requirements for cultural or religious reasons willbe respected.

Suggestions

(as encouraged by the community nutrition and dietetic service W.H.B.)

·         Adequate fluids of a non-sugary, non-fizzy type: milk, water, unsweetened flavoured water, milk shake, yoghurt drink, homemade vegetable soup, unsweetened fruit juice, low sugar cordial or squash.

·         Fresh fruit: bananas, grapes, orange segments, plum, pear, apple slices, kiwi (cut in half and eaten with a spoon). Tip: squeeze lemon juice over peeled fruit to prevent it going brown.

·         Dried fruit: apricots, raisins peaches

·         Fingers of raw vegetables: carrots, celery, cucumber etc on their own or with a yogurt dip

·         Salad or salad fillings: tomatoes, peppers, sweetcorn, carrot and celery sticks, butterbeans, beetroot, onions, chives/scallions.

·         Other fillings such as lean bacon, lettuce and tomato, sliced meat, tuna or salmon with salad

·         Bread – bagels, rye, soft/crusty rolls, baps, pittas, crackers or crispbreads. Wholegrain bread makes the healthiest and most filling sandwiches

·         Rice cakes, pasta, rice or potato salad

·         Milk based puddings and yogurts (with spoon), yogurt drink, fromage frais and cheese

·         Maybe vary the size and shape of sandwiches.


Friday Treat Day

Over the years, Friday has been associated with treat day. Children often bring in a small treat such as a small chocolate bar, a biscuit, slice of cake, bun, homemade popcorn, some forms of yoghurt desserts.


Shared Lunches

Usually on the last day of each term, children have a shared lunch. They are encouraged to bring in food and drink to share with the class. A lot more treats are tolerated on that day.

LEAFLETS AVAILABLE FROM WESTERN HEALTH BOARD

•           Healthy Lunches for Healthy Learning

•           More Fruit and Veg Every Day- the Healthy Eating Way

•           Healthy Lunch Box to Grow, Learn and Play

•           Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas

•           Healthy Eating for children