Health and nutrition

 

At Aysgarth School, we have, for some time, invested heavily in our internally managed catering and make sure we provide delicious healthy meals. 

Meals are homemade, using fresh, local produce. We cater for all dietary requirements. We aim to be nut-free and, whilst we cannot guarantee to be 100% additive-free, we do monitor the use of allergens very carefully and do not use aspartame. 

Children are encouraged to try new foods and we work closely with parents to see how fussy eaters can be helped to eat a well-balanced meal.

We know that children do not always want to eat what is good for them. The School Nurses, Catering Manager and Headmaster’s wife meet each term to review the menus and ensure that we achieve a satisfactory balance. 

We have several themed lunches to coincide with dates or events. Lunches over Book Week saw a bush tucker trial and a BBQ fitting the adventure theme; European Languages Day saw a French-inspired feast and Chinese New Year is popular. There is a lot of variety and the menu is constantly changing to meet the day’s activities and the season. 

Instead of external tuck being brought in we have a well-stocked tuck cupboard and the pupils are given occasional treats with constant access to fruit and healthy snacks. Home-baked treats are provided during the morning and afternoon breaks with fresh fruit. 

Healthy habits:

Except for Nursery and Reception, who sit with their class teachers, the Pre-Prep children sit at tables with a member of staff. This provides the hosting member of staff the opportunity to catch up with pupils they may no longer teach. We endeavour to maintain the high standard of manners that you expect at home and we encourage the children to sit up straight, use a knife, fork and spoon correctly and engage in conversation and mindful eating. 

Match teas are a treat - not just for the heartwarming fare but the fact we manage the placement of all visiting teams to ensure that they are integrated with our pupils to ensure friendship is forged no matter what score. It is easy to make friends over great food.