Packed Lunch Guidance

While we provide Universal Free School Meals for all children in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2, we understand that, for many reasons, you may wish to provide a lunch prepared at home for our younger children or for children as they move through the school.

Guidance to parents on ‘Packed Lunches’

We aim to ensure all aspects of food and nutrition at The Duston School Primary Phase promotes the health and wellbeing of all children.

Parents are advised to include a small, named ice pack if food is likely to spoil and please support us in reminding children that they are not allowed to swap or share their food.

In addition, we request that parents do not include the following:

• Sweets and chocolate

• Food containing nuts (some children in school have an allergy to any contact with nuts which could cause a dangerous reaction)

• Fizzy/sugary drinks

Eating Environment

We will provide a safe, calm and healthy eating environment for children having a packed lunch. We do this by:

• Encouraging children to eat all or try to eat most of the food provided in their lunch box.

• Making sure children have the time to eat their lunch and do not rush, whilst, recognising that children also need time to play.

• Asking children to take leftovers from lunch boxes home to enable parents to see what their child has eaten.

• Providing fresh water.

Packed Lunches

We would like lunch boxes to reflect a healthy balanced meal and have included some guidance and ideas which are attached.