Healthy Eating and School Meals
At Holy Family, we are committed to providing an environment that promotes healthy eating and supports children in making informed choices about the food they eat, both now and in the future.
We aim to:
- help pupils make healthy food choices by developing their knowledge, skills and understanding;
- provide healthy food choices throughout the school day; and
- encourage positive attitudes towards food, healthy eating and wellbeing.
Break-Time Snacks
We recognise that healthy snacks can form an important part of a child's diet and contribute positively towards a balanced lifestyle.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are provided with a piece of fruit or vegetable each day as part of the government-funded School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.
Children in Years 3 to 6 are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit or another healthy snack from home to enjoy at break time.
Drinking Water
All children are encouraged to bring a named water bottle to school each day. Children have access to their water throughout the school day and can refill their bottles when needed.
School Meals
We are a cashless school and school meals are booked and paid for through your ParentPay account.
Meals should be booked in advance to ensure that your child can receive their preferred meal choice.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal under the government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
Free School Meals
Your child may also be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals. We encourage eligible families to apply, as registering can also help the school access additional funding to support children's education.
If you think your child may be eligible, please contact the School Office for further information or apply through the Kent Free School Meals eligibility service.
Please contact the School Office if you have any questions about school meals, ParentPay or Free School Meals.
Medical Diet and Allergies (Chartwells)
If your child has a food allergy, intolerance or other medically diagnosed dietary requirement, please inform the school so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Our school meal provider, Chartwells, has a Medical Diet Policy and process in place to support children who require a medically adapted menu.
Packed Lunches
If you choose not to order a school meal, your child is welcome to bring a packed lunch from home. We ask parents and carers to help us promote healthy choices and keep all children safe by following the guidance below.
Nut Awareness
We have children in school with serious nut allergies. While we cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment, we ask that nuts and products containing nuts are not included in packed lunches. This includes items such as peanut butter, nut-based spreads and cereal or snack bars containing nuts.
Children are also reminded not to share or exchange food with one another. We would appreciate parents and carers reinforcing this message at home.
Healthy Packed Lunches
We encourage families to provide a healthy, balanced packed lunch that gives children the energy they need for the school day.
Please do not include:
- sweets or chocolate bars;
- fizzy drinks; or
- energy drinks.
Chocolate-covered biscuits or similar items may be included as part of an otherwise balanced packed lunch.
Water is always encouraged and children should bring their usual named water bottle to school each day.
Thank you for helping us promote healthy eating and keep our school community safe.
https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/#lunchbox-recipes
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/
