Healthy Lunches
At Upperthong JI School Kirklees Catering provide all of our school lunches. All of our school lunches comply with the Government health standards to ensure that the children are being served delicious, nutritious food which contributes to a balanced diet. Children from Reception to Y2 are entitled to a free school meal as part of a Government scheme. Children from low income families may also be entitled to a free school meal.Parents should enquire at the school offcie for further information on how to apply.
It is often easier to ensure that your child gets the healthy nutrients that they need by encouraging them to have a school lunch, however you may decide that you want your child to bring a packed lunch. If you make this decision then below is our policy for packed lunches to which all parents must comply. This is based on The Eatwell Guide and guidance from School Food.
What is a healthier lunchbox?
Variety is the key to a healthier lunchbox. Making a lunchbox healthier and appetising to children does not mean that they miss out on all the things that they enjoy eating. It is all about getting a balance and good variety of foods over a period of time. No single food can provide all the essential nutrients that the body needs.
Please ensure that you do not give your child packed lunches that contain nuts, particularly peanuts, in any form, e.g. peanut butter.
Healthy Lunchbox Checklist
When choosing products for healthier lunchboxes, you should try to choose those lower in salt, fat and sugar. Look for the green and orange labels on the food packaging.
Make sure you include…
- A good portion of starchy food, eg wholegrain bap, thick sliced wholemeal bread, chapatti, pitta pocket, potatoes, couscous, pasta or rice salad
- Plenty of fruit and vegetables eg an apple, satsuma, handful of cherry tomatoes or carrot sticks, mini-can of fruit chunks or small box of raisins
- A portion of semi skimmed milk or dairy food eg individual cheese portion or pot of yoghurt
- A portion of protein eg ham, chicken, beef, tuna, egg, fish, hummus, beans, pulses, falafel or similar vegetarian alternative
- A drink eg fruit juice, semi skimmed milk or water
Please limit the frequency of crisps, cakes and chocolate biscuits
As an alternative you could try…
- Bread sticks
- Rice cakes
- Fruit loaf
- Fruit muffin
- Sugar free jelly
- Unsalted pretzels or popcorn
- Bagels, tortillas, crackers or fruit tea cakes
- Low sugar flapjack or cereal bar
You must not include…
- Fizzy drinks and confectionery (sweets and chocolate bars)
Foods you must only include once a week
- Chicken/quorn/veggie nuggets
- Chips
- Burgers
- Sausages
- Processed foods eg pepperami, pies, pasties, sausage rolls,
What does a healthier lunchbox include?
The ‘Healthier Lunchbox Checklist’ is based on the food groups of the Balance of Good Health, which promotes balance and variety. The purpose of the checklist is to ensure something from each of the food groups is included in the lunchbox, providing a better balance of nutrients, and that it includes a drink. Bright and colourful foods with different tastes and textures should be included. Fruit and vegetables do this naturally. If the food looks great, even if it is healthier, then the chances are that children will want to try it. There are many ways to keep the lunchbox exciting, for example adopt a colour theme for each day, take inspiration from holidays or different countries and foods that are in season or grown in the school/home garden.
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or those requiring special diets
We recognise that, due to very specific needs and requirements, some children follow a very restricted diet. If this is the case for your child, it is important that school are made aware of this so that we can make appropriate adjustments to this policy. Contact Mrs Littlewood to make an appointment to have a discussion about your child’s needs if you have not already done so.
What should I send as a break time snack?
Children in Reception and Keystage 1 receive daily fruit or vegetables free as part of a Government scheme to encourage children to eat more healthily. If you do not feel that this is sufficient and wish to send in more that is acceptable. In Keystage 2 the children do not receive this free scheme and may need a snack to boost energy for the rest of the morning. Further information on what is allowed as a snack can be found on the poster in Appendix 1. If you are sending in packaged snacks, they must match the traffic light guidance shown on the poster ie they should be predominantly green with no red; 2 orange and 2 green is acceptable on occasions.
What if I don’t follow this policy?
The headteacher, senior leadership team and lunchtime staff monitor the lunch boxes of those children who bring a meal from home. If the policy is regularly not followed then a note will be put in your child’s lunch box asking you to follow the school policy. We expect all parents and carers to ensure their child is getting a healthy meal at lunchtime when in school.
More information and suggestions for what to pack up can be found by reading the following:
Eat Smart Sheffield Packed Lunch Guidance
Guide to a Healthy Packed Lunch DfE guidance