Information regarding Lunchboxes (and snack if applicable)
Please ensure your child's lunch box is clearly named, contains a spoon if needed and as the lunch boxes are not stored in a fridge, please provide a frozen ice pack. We do supply water throughout the day and at lunchtime but you are welcome to provide your own drink if you prefer. Sports or screw top bottles are better than cartons if your child may not drink it all.
Allergens: Please do not put any nuts or use peanut butter in your child's lunch box as even the smell can affect children with nut allergies. Clearly label your child’s name on the lunch bag so that the risk of cross contamination of allergens is reduced.
Choking hazards: Ensure the food is suitable for your child’s individual developmental needs and prepared in a way to prevent choking. If your child has grapes, small tomatoes or anything with a skin, please cut in half lengthways or larger items quartered as children are less likely to choke if cut in this way. The RoSPA have a slogan "if in doubt, quarter it".
Food safety and hygiene: For perishable items that should be kept cool, pack food in insulated sealed bags with a cool pack. If you do not have a cool pack, please pack foods that can safely be kept at room temperature.
Portion Control: We do our best to encourage children to eat their lunch but often find that some children do have quite a lot in their lunchbox. The children have snack from 10.00am and lunch at 12 noon. As a rough guide most children can manage a sandwich or alternative, a piece of fruit and a yoghurt. Obviously, you know your child best and this is just a suggestion. We have a leaflet regarding portion control which you may find useful so please speak to your child's key person if you would like a copy. All uneaten food and rubbish will be placed in a clear food bag inside the lunchbox so you can see what your child has eaten.
Healthy Eating: We encourage children to eat savoury items before other food but will not enforce this so bear this in mind when preparing your child's lunch box. Please do not put chocolate bars, sweets or other confectionery in your child's lunch box. Please include food in its natural form in reusable named pots rather than individual disposable packets so we can comply with our sustainability and climate action plan.
Celebrations: The Department of Education suggest we do not have cakes to celebrate events such as birthdays but because the portion size is very small and the children are made aware that it is a special occasion and a treat, we will continue to allow parents to bring in a SHOP BOUGHT cake (in original packaging for allergen information) for their child’s birthday. Parents can always choose a cake that has no sweets for decorations. Please note sweets will not be handed out for birthdays. Staff will still accept sweet treats for their own consumption though!
If you would like any more information please speak to a member of staff.