We promote a healthy, balanced, active lifestyle, of which food is a very important factor and regularly features as part of our school day. We like to encourage pupils to appreciate the food and drinks consumed through the day and how these contribute to their balanced nutritional intake and hydration levels.
Every day pupils are involved in the choices they make for the food eaten; taking responsibility for making selections, conveying the class’ choices to the office, as well as helping to organise the distribution of snacks, milk and lunch provisions to the necessary places in school.
Good eating habits are encouraged so that lunchtimes and snack times are sociable events, where children have a chance to catch up on the latest news and events, as well as enjoying tasty and beneficial food and drink.
Our school meals are freshly prepared in the school kitchen. Menus are based on the school food standards. Children have a choice of two hot meals, a jacket potato with various fillings every day and they make their choice at morning registration. Have a look at the latest menu and discuss the different options with your child so they are able to choose a meal that they will enjoy. If your child has an allergy or intolerance, please inform the school office. Please click on the PDF link at the top of this page to view the current menu.
Universal Free School Meals and Free School Meals
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to Universal Free School Meals (which every child gets regardless of income or circumstances). From Year 3 children are not automatically entitled to a free meal and these have to be paid for. If you feel you should be in receipt of Free School Meals for your child you will need to apply directly through the Gloucestershire County Council website. See link below:
Gloucestershire County Council Free School Meals
If your child would like to bring a packed lunch to school, please remember that this should consist of a balanced meal. We therefore recommend that you make sure it contains:
Including a picnic style ice-pack and using a thermal insulated container ensures that the food stays fresh and appetising for lunchtime.
Please note:
Have a look at Change 4 Life and the Children’s Food Trust for some packed lunch ideas and remember to involve your child to make sure they will eat what you are providing.
Why are some foods so dangerous?
The size and shape of grapes & cherry/plum tomatoes means they can completely plug a child’s airway. The tight seal produced by the foods smooth surface makes them difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques. Young children are particularly vulnerable to choking on grapes/ tomatoes because:
Their swallow reflex is still developing.
Their airway is very small.
They don’t have a full set of teeth and are still learning to chew properly.
We advise that grapes and tomatoes are cut in half lengthways and ideally in quarters.
All Infant children have a portion of fruit or vegetables every day provided by the National School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. The scheme aims to provide your child with one of their 5 A DAY portions and also helps to increase awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, encouraging healthy eating habits that can be carried into later life.
All Junior children can have a snack at break time brought in from home. This needs to be fruit or vegetables.
Drinking sufficient water is an essential part of keeping healthy and being ready to learn for our pupils. We encourage every child to bring their own water to school every day in a labelled sports-cap drinks bottle. They have access to this throughout the day so that they are able to stay alert and hydrated.
Our school milk scheme
Did you know our school has a school milk scheme?
By registering your child for our school milk scheme they will receive a 189ml (third of a pint) carton of semi-skimmed milk every day. This is delivered fresh and chilled to their classroom every day.
“How much does it cost?”
Thanks to government subsidies, school milk is free for all under-fives and is subsided at around £15 a term for children aged five or older.
“Why should I register my child?”
School milk provides your child with essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, for strong, healthy teeth and bones. It is also rehydrating and energy boosting, helping to bridge the long gap between breakfast and lunch so children stay focused.
Find out the top ten reasons to drink school milk at www.coolmilk.com/whyschoolmilk
“How do I register my child?”
If your child is under five -
1. Go to www.coolmilk.com or pick up a form from school.
2. Just register by a Tuesday for your child’s free milk to start the following week.
3. Free milk will continue until the Friday before your child’s fifth birthday. You will receive a payment request three weeks before this time - if you wish for your child to continue to receive school milk simply make a payment.
If your child is over five -
1. Go to www.coolmilk.com or pick up a form from school.
2. Pay Cool Milk online, over the phone, at a local PayPoint or by cheque in instalments to suit you. If registering online you can pay straight away, if using a registration form you will need to wait to receive a payment request.
3. Just pay by a Tuesday for your child’s milk to start the following week.
“How do I find out more?”
Visit www.coolmilk.com or contact Cool Milk directly on 08448542913.