Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

At Monkfield Park, we are committed to encouraging and developing positive attitudes towards food and a healthy lifestyle. We know that food is fundamental to the quality of a child's life. It not only provides essential nutrition, but allows for the communication of positive values, attitudes and experiences with each other.

 

We believe that as adults (staff, parents and carers) we should be good role models in promoting healthy food choices so that children understand how a balanced diet can contribute to their health, happiness and well-being. Opportunities to teach the children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and food education occur throughout the curriculum we provide, from PSHE, to DT, to Science and beyond. As a school, we also promote healthy food choices through a number of management systems, some of which are listed below.

 

  • We run the KS1 free fruit and vegetable scheme. Each pupil in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a piece of fruit or vegetable each day. E.g. An apple or a carrot.

     

  • All pupils are welcome to bring in their own choice of fruit or vegetable snack to eat at break time.

     

  • All pupils are encouraged to bring in a water bottle so that they can have access to water throughout the day. Water fountains are also available to allow additional access to drinking water.

 

  • An opportunity to have a carton of milk is offered to all children at a small cost. (This is free of charge for under 5 year olds).

 

  • Crisps, biscuits, chocolate, cake and sweets are discouraged as part of lunch boxes. A healthy lunch leaflet is available to offer guidance.

 

We aim to provide an enjoyable eating experience for children. Our fantastic catering team help us to do this by creating tasty and nutritious food for the children to tuck into. The School Food Standards (see below), ensure that meals prepared for the children include a wide range of foods, that enable children to develop healthy eating habits. Importantly, the children are also able to make independent choices and are encouraged to try new foods.

 

By working together in partnership together, we can do our very best to ensure that your child understands the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the positive impact it can have on their life.

 

You may find these websites useful in supporting the promotion of healthy eating at home.

 

http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/childrens-food-trust/parents/

 

http://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/index.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/childhealth6-15/pages/lighterlunchboxes.aspx http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/school-packed-lunch-inspiration