School Meals

At Hardwick Primary School we believe that a daily nutritious meal at lunchtime is an essential part of the school day. It enables pupils to feel re-energised and ready for their afternoon lessons.

The Cook and her team of assistants prepare a varied and well balanced menu, and all food is prepared freshly each day at the school.

We believe in offering value for money delicious meals to suit all appetites, and ensuring that different tastes are catered for.

Food and Drink

We have our own School Kitchen, so children can have a freshly cooked meal each day. Each school meal costs £2.10; for a full week the charge is £10.50. Cashless Payment should be made in advance, through your ParentPay Account. We offer a vegetarian option each day, and also offer fish, lamb or chicken. There are pasta options, and a beaker of water. We actively encourage healthy eating and we aim to provide meals that are low in fat, salt and sugar, and high in fibre.
Meals are eaten in the school hall and children are encouraged to enjoy this social occasion and practise good table manners. Children may have a school dinner or bring a packed lunch from home.

Please follow the attached link for suggestions for a healthy packed lunch.

www.food.gov.uk or schoolfoodtrust.org.uk
 
Snacks
KS1 children in school participate in the Government’s Free Fruit and Vegetables in School Scheme, so all children aged 3 to 7 years receive a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable daily. Children in Nursery and Reception Classes also have a drink of milk.

All children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day.

Lunchtime Arrangements
  • Children have a school meal or bring a packed lunch from home, a few children go home at lunchtime. All children eat together in the Hall.
  • The children are expected to remember good table manners and to eat sensibly and quietly.
  • The children are expected to wash their hands before coming in to lunch.
  • Children are encouraged to eat all their lunch. Children who have a packed lunch will return anything they have not eaten to you, so you can see how much they have eaten.
 
Packed Lunches
Healthy lunches and snacks are important for active children. Recent research has also shown that improving diet can improve concentration, learning and behaviour, although we know healthy eating changes are not always easy to make! Try to encourage your child to be involved in preparing their own lunch and choosing the foods to include.

The key to a healthy lunchbox is to include a balance of foods from the four main food groups:

  • Breads and cereals
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Meat
  • Milk and dairy products
Foods in the fifth food group, containing fat and sugar, should be eaten in moderation.

A packed lunch should provide a range of nutrients for children. Including a wide variety of foods in a lunchbox will provide this range of nutrients, and prevent children becoming bored with the same foods. Most importantly, children should look forward to and enjoy their packed lunch in school. Children can take a while to get used to food changes, so praise them when they try new foods and save unhealthier foods for occasional treats.
 
We will provide drinks for all children who eat in school at lunchtime.

Our Tips for a Healthy Lunchbox
  • Make sandwiches with pitta, wholegrain or wholemeal bread.
  • Use less butter or margarine.
  • Use low-fat fillings such as ham, fish, cottage cheese or salad.
  • Include fresh fruit or a box of raisins.
  • Use unsweetened fruit juice, water, milk or yoghurt drinks.
  • Cut down on crisps and use plain popcorn or dried fruit as an alternative. Instead of cakes and biscuits, put in scones, currant buns and fruit bread.
  • Try to include some vegetables, such as tomatoes, sticks of carrot, cucumber, celery and peppers.
The Foods Standards Agency has put together four weeks of nutritionally balanced lunch box suggestions. Check out their website: www.food.gov.uk.

Find out how to maximise your child's potential with Food for the Brain. Test their diet and performance with this FREE on-line profile that gives you personalised advice.