Healthy Eating Policy
Introductory Statement:
Darrara National School aims to help all those involved in our school community, children, staff and parents to develop positive attitudes towards eating and healthy living. We wish to promote “the personal development and wellbeing of the child and to provide a foundation for healthy living in all its aspects.” (SPHE Guidelines)
This policy was formulated by members of the staff in consultation with the pupils (Focus Group), parent representatives, Principal and Board of Management.
Rationale:
It was decided to focus on this area for development in order to improve the pupils’ health.
Our SPHE & Science programmes endorse this view:
SPHE Strand Unit: Taking Care of My Body: Food and Nutrition (Curriculum J. Infants
– 6th Class Making choices (See Teacher Guidelines pp 11-13)
Science Strand Living Things: Strand Unit: Myself: Human Life Processes (Curriculum
- Infants – 6th Class) (See Teacher Guidelines p.10-11)
In addition, the Physical Education programme supports the physical development and fitness of the children.
Relationship to Characteristic Spirit of the School
The philosophy of Darrara N.S. aims to provide a holistic education where each child is nurtured in their academic, social and spiritual development. Within that framework we see ourselves as having a role in the process of enabling pupils to understand their ability to have control of and improve their health.
Aims:
Lunch is an important meal for school going children. The current practice is that children eat twice a day. Children in the Junior room also have a ‘Sip and Crunch’ break in the morning to improve energy levels and focus. Healthy eating, Monday through to Friday is encouraged. The children are allowed to sip water during class but not fizzy drinks or juice. Children are asked to use reusable containers for environmental and sustainable reasons, cans and glass bottles are not permitted. No food is allowed to be consumed during class unless needed by children with dietary/sensory requirements.
Through the Healthy Eating Policy of Darrara National School we hope:
- To heighten an awareness of the importance of a balanced diet.
- To encourage the children to make wise choices about food and nutrition.
- To raise levels of concentration within class by way of consumption of healthy food.
- To encourage pupils to be aware, alert and responsive to litter problems caused by packaging on foods etc.
- To enable the children to develop a healthy eating habit for life.
Promotion of the Policy:
All members of the teaching staff promote this policy through regular verbal reminders and good example to the children.
If children bring ”discouraged” food/drinks to school:
They will be allowed to eat/drink them but advised not to bring them on other days. If they persist in bringing discouraged food to school, the teacher will contact parents to remind them of the healthy eating policy of our school.
Exceptions are allowed:
− End of term parties
− School trips
− School events – concerts, matches, cake sales etc.
– Wellness Wednesday Birthday Celebrations (Treat provided by the staff)
Teachers may give children treats as a reward from time to time.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Role of Parents:
- To provide a healthy, well-balanced lunch.
- To encourage healthy eating.
- To inform the school of their child’s special dietary needs where they exist.
Role of Children:
- To eat their lunch.
- To bring home any uneaten lunch.
- To help make their lunches and remind parents of the Healthy Eating Policy.
- Not to bring chewing gum, crisps, popcorn, confectionary, chocolate bars, any food products with chocolate, sweets or fizzy drinks to school.
Role of Darrara National School:
- To promote and encourage healthy eating.
- In consultation with the Principal and staff, appropriate and beneficial sponsored food programmes.
Success Criteria
We will know that the policy is effective when healthy eating has become a habit for all pupils in school and all lunch boxes contain healthy options for the children.
Implementation and Review
As part of the Social Personal and Health Education curriculum reasons for healthy eating will be discussed with the children regularly by staff.
On occasion, teachers may give children a sweet treat in recognition of work done, improvements in work or behaviour and in an effort to promote positive behaviour. These treats are used prudently and will not interfere with the health of the children.
This policy is subject to review at the discretion of the teaching staff and/or the Board of Management. This Healthy Eating Policy was formally approved by the Board of Management.