At Devonshire we recognise the important connection between a healthy diet and children’s ability to learn effectively and reach their fullest potential. A healthy diet and age appropriate knowledge and understanding of nutrition support the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ initiative where every child, no matter what their background or circumstances should have the support they need to

• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well being

We aim to promote the health and well being of pupils by ensuring that

• Healthy food and drink are consumed at School
• Consistent messages about food and health are given to pupils and their parents/carers
• Pupils are given the information they need to make healthy choices
• Medical, religious and cultural requirements are respected
• The School is a nut free zone

Snacks

 Children in Key Stage 2 are encouraged to bring a fruit to school which they eat at a dedicated fruit time. No other snacks are allowed. Key Stage 1 and Reception children participate in a scheme whereby free fruit and vegetables are offered as snacks during morning and afternoon play. The Nursery children are encouraged to bring in a piece of fruit to share.

Water

We encourage the consumption of water throughout the day. Children in the Infants and Juniors are encouraged to bring a named (clear) plastic bottle filled with water which they have access to throughout the day.  Water fountains are available for use during the day and water is provided at lunchtime.  The Nursery children are provided with water jugs and cups to encourage regular drinking of water.

Milk

Milk is provided at a cost published to parents each term and children entitled to free school meals are also entitled to free milk.

School lunches

These are provided by Sutton Catering whose meals exceed Government guidelines and comply with all guidance and requirements issued by the Government relating to the provision of lunches in school. School lunches offer a balanced, nutritional and healthy meal for the children and take into account any specific dietary requirements that are notified to the School.

A choice of two main meals is provided each day, one of which is suitable for a vegetarian diet. Fresh bread and salad are available each day. There is also a pudding of the day or a choice of fresh fruit, yogurt or cheese and crackers.

The Headteacher, Mr Martin Kearsey, is an enthusiastic supporter of school lunches and has school lunch every day with the children. The chair of governors, Chris Eley, frequently has school lunch.

The School participates in the annual week-long event (National School Meals Week) to promote the high quality, nutritional school meals now available. School governors join the children to sample lunch during this week.

Menus are regularly sent home to inform parents of the choices available. See Lunch menu April -October 2010 (and free school meal information). Children entering Reception are given the opportunity to sample food with their parents after their induction presentation. More information about school lunches and Sutton Catering is available here. 

School lunches must be paid for in advance either on a weekly or half termly basis.

Families who are in receipt of specific benefits and/or allowances may be eligible for free school meals for their children. Details can be obtained from the School office.

Packed lunches

The School encourages a balanced and healthy diet where children are bringing packed lunches to School, whether it is on a daily basis or for a school trip.

The Government advises that a healthy diet should include fresh fruit and vegetables and juice, water or milk as drinks. Foods to be discouraged are crisps or other salty snacks and highly processed foods. The School asks every parent/carer to support its efforts to ensure that all children have a healthy lunch by adhering to the guidelines given.

For health and safety reasons packed lunches must not contain

• Nuts or food containing nuts
• Glass or cans
• Hot food or liquids

The following items are also not allowed

• Sweets including chocolate
• Fizzy drinks

PTA events

The PTA supports the School’s aim to promote the health and well-being of pupils. When organising events, this aim will be always be considered whilst recognising that children have ‘treats’ on special occasions.

A to Z After School Club

The A to Z After School Club supports the School’s aim to promote the health and well being of pupils. On arrival at the club the children are given a drink and a light tea.

Curriculum

The School’s curriculum promotes the health and well being of pupils in a variety of curriculum areas and extra curricular activities. There are a number of opportunities for pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of the food that contribute to a healthy diet and the practical skills associated with such knowledge.