Framework for Food Policy
September 2009
Introduction
At Rye Primary we are committed to giving all our pupils consistent messages about all aspects of health and well-being, for them to develop their understanding of particular behaviours and encouraging the taking of responsibility. This policy should be read alongside the school’s policies for: e.g. Health & Safety, PSHE, curriculum policy
The purpose of this policy is to inform all members of the school community and implement systems and structures to be consistent about the food and drink provision at our school.
The scope of this policy encompasses all food and drink consumed on the school site and as part of a school activity. It aims to promote the Balance of Good Health (see Fig 1) and to promote sustainability through reduced packaging, responsible recycling and disposal of the waste produced by food and drink.
FIG 1
A healthy diet is defined as one where there is a balance of food and drink which provides the nutrients required in the right amounts.
Aims and objectives
Our aim is for all aspects of school life to promote the health and well-being of all members of the school community, including food and nutrition, as part of our commitment to being a Healthy School.
Objectives:
· To set out a consistent approach to food and drink provision throughout the school day
· That all our pupils learn about food and drink as part of a curriculum that supports health and well-being
· To provide high quality school meals to our pupils, within the resources available
· To provide suitable social settings for pupils and staff to consume food and drink
· To work in partnership with parents and carers
The Curriculum
Teaching about food and drink forms part of the curriculum in: science / design and technology / PSHE and citizenship / SEAL/ topic work / PE / literacy / RE*.
Wherever possible, practical and active teaching and learning opportunities will be provided for pupils, in particular to develop skills in the preparation of food, in healthy eating, in the analysis of food and in maintaining personal health. Lessons which use the creative learning opportunities of food and drink will also be developed across the curriculum.
The whole school
nature of learning about food and drink is reinforced through assemblies and in
celebrations. All visitors will be subject to CRB checks when working with
children. When visitors, such as parents or specialist cooks, are involved in
lessons about food and drink, they will work in accordance with this policy and
always with a member of the teaching staff present.
Food and drink provision
School meals are provided by (Chartwells) and follow the nutritional guidelines set out by the DfES’ and Caroline Walker Trust. The implementation of national nutritional standards and information about the style of service and menu content are identified in the catering contract. This contract specification forms part of this food policy.
Steps to excite and motivate pupils to try new foods, and also to involve and consult with pupils and parents / carers about school meals. These could include theme days and tasting sessions and menus will be displayed prominently. We are committed to non-discriminatory procedures to ensure all pupils who are eligible for free school meals take up their entitlement.
The importance of pupils and staff having enough time to eat and digest lunch will be taken into account when planning the school day.
Parents / carers are expected to inform schools of allergies and other diet related medical conditions. The school will support pupils with special dietary needs during the school day.
· Packed lunches
The school is committed to informing pupils and parents / carers about approaches to the preparation of a packed lunch that is balanced and healthy. Children are provided with tables in the school hall to eat packed lunches. In the hall pupils have easy access to drinking water and facilities to dispose / recycle waste. The school will be sensitive to cultural or religious aspects of food.
- Snacks
Snacks provided for pupils or brought from home should be low in saturated fat, sugar and salt, preferably fruit or vegetables. Vegetables, mini cheese rolls and fruit based snacks only will be available at break time.
· Celebrations, treats and rewards
The school recognises that food is often an important element of celebrations and will ensure that healthy options are available. The school will only use non-food based rewards.
· Drinks
The school recognises the contribution that the consumption of sufficient water makes to learning, positive behaviour and health. The school provides clean, palatable water in the hall and all classrooms to all pupils and staff throughout the school day. Parents / carers are encouraged to provide an appropriate container for drinking water and ensure that containers are kept clean. Parents / carers will be provided with information about the value of drinking sufficient water.
· Dining environment
The school aims that the hall, as our eating environment, is welcoming and encourages the positive social interaction of pupils and staff. The school provides easy access to drinking water and facilities to dispose of / recycle waste.
Extended school and social activities
The school will endeavour to ensure that all school social events and school clubs operate consistently within the objectives of this policy.
· Partnership with parents
The school will work actively with parents / carers around food and diet. This will include:
Menu consultation and tasting of school dinners;
Information about a balanced and healthy packed lunch;
Involvement in a healthy school group;
· School events
All events will aim to take place consistently with this policy.
Professional development
All school staff and governors will have access to opportunities for CPD to support the implementation of this policy. Groups of staff will have particular CPD needs, which will be addressed, for example for MDSA’s, to encourage consistent implementation at lunchtime, and teachers of DT around food technology.
Health and safety
All food preparation will adhere to the school’s health and safety policy and be carried out according to good food hygiene and preparation standards. Health and safety remains the responsibility of all staff. Wherever possible, food preparation will be carried out in the school practical room and an equipment inventory for food technology will be maintained and audited by the DT coordinator.
The school’s risk assessment procedures will include consideration of food hygiene. Parents/ carers should notify the school in writing of any special medical dietary needs and the school will work in the best interests of the child. The school will endeavour to provide alternative ingredients for those children with food allergies.
Implementation
The implementation of the Food Policy is the responsibility of the school’s healthy school group, which will consider aspects of healthy eating as part of developments in the school. The curriculum leader is responsible for the coordination of the curriculum in relation to food, drink and nutrition. The action plan for healthy schools forms part School Development Plan and is regularly discussed by stakeholders.
Steps will be taken to consult with pupils, including via the school council, about food and drink provision at school.
There is a named governor for monitoring the food policy, including the provision of school meals. This governor will include consideration of the food and drink available as part of their visits to school. Opportunities will be taken to inform parents / carers about the policy, and to respond to comments.
Monitoring and Review
The monitoring of this policy will be the responsibility of the Senior Leadership Team. There will be an annual report to the governing body about aspects of food and drink at school. Progress with healthy eating part of healthy school developments will be monitored as part of school improvement planning. Individual subject curriculum policies will set out the learning elements which relate to food and drink and these will be monitored as part of regular subject monitoring.
This policy will be subject to a formal review every three years or sooner if significant changes occur.