At PaWS we recognise the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet and understand that establishing a balanced diet in childhood helps to promote healthy eating habits for life.
PaWS was delighted to be awarded Healthy School status at the end of July 2023 for demonstrating our ongoing commitment to our value of being Healthy. We have also been awarded School Games GOLD Mark Award again for the 2023/24 academic year.
To develop healthiness, we encourage our school community to think carefully about the choices they make regarding their diet and the importance of having a healthy body and mind. Our Food Councillors play an active role in promoting the benefits of eating healthily. Pupils understand the importance of good mental health and feel confident to talk to adults within the school to share their concerns.
Healthy Lunch
Packing a healthy lunchbox can be a challenge when facing fussy eaters, the rising cost of living and conflicting messages around products which advertise as being a healthy option. At PaWS we ask families to support us in:
- Making a positive contribution to children’s health as part of preparing them to lead a ‘life in all its fullness’.
- Encouraging a happier and calmer atmosphere in school
- Promoting consistency between packed lunches and food provided by schools which must adhere to national school food standards. Please visit www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/schools/the-standards
Click here for our ‘Packing a Healthy Lunchbox’ guidance.
Healthy Snacks
We encourage all children to bring in a healthy snack for morning break. Below is a list of healthy snack suggestions to give an idea of what to send in with your child.
- Fruit and vegetables
- Granola bars
- Rice cakes
- Malt loaf
- Cheese and crackers
- Yogurt
- Unsalted popcorn
All children in EYFS and Key Stage One have a fresh fruit choice available at break times.
Children should not be bringing in chocolate bars, sweets or crisps.
We really appreciate the support of all our families with this.
Please click here for further healthy snack ideas.
Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy world
“I pray that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”
-John c1v2
We provide opportunities to go beyond personal health and consider a ‘healthy world’. Through our curriculum and additional provision children explore not just their role in helping the environment but in how they can shape their community and the world they will grow up in.
Scan, Swipe and Swap your way to better health!
The free NHS Food Scanner app is a handy tool for families that helps them to swap unhealthy foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, to healthier choices.
Download the Food Scanner app on the Apple app store or Google Play store.
Nut-Free
Although we recognise that this cannot be guaranteed, PaWS’ aims to be a Nut-Free school. This is to reduce the risk to those children and adults who may suffer an anaphylactic reaction if exposed to nuts to which they are sensitive.
Curriculum
We believe that healthy children are best able to take full advantage of the educational opportunities that the school provides. Our school community encourages pupils to develop the skills and attitudes that will help them make informed healthy choices both in and out of school.
Healthy eating is explicitly addressed within Science, RSHE Life Skills, PE and Design and Technology lessons. Each curriculum subject will includes a range of skills and understanding that will contribute towards this. As part of our Cooking and Nutrition lessons, all children learn about balanced diets, nutrition and healthy choices alongside cooking with a range of healthy ingredients. A wide range of teaching approaches and resources are used to deliver the curriculum.
Below is one of our Year 1 classes trying out a range of different fruits and vegetables as we encourage all the children to make healthy lifestyle choices.
