WOW, look at this... Thank you Mrs Planck!

Healthy School Reminders

Breaktime Snack

We have noticed a growing number of children taking out part of their lunch to have at break time. As we are a 'Healthy School' KS1 and Reception children are provided with a piece of fruit or vegetable to eat at break time by Kent.

However, any child in the school may bring in.....(Just to clarify for everyone)...

FROM SEPTEMBER 2023: 

Snacks that are allowed:

Cheese - cheese string, babybel, little cheddar blocks etc

Fruit - apples, grapes (preferable cut up), pear, bananas, raisins, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers etc - These includes dried fruits but not chocolate covered - yoghurt covered is fine.

Vegetables - carrots, beans

Snacks that are not allowed:

Crisps

Chocolate

Cereal bars (these are difficult to police due to so many different varieties) 

Anything heavily processed such as winders, fruit jellies - with high sugar content. 

Lunchtime Packed Lunches

We have also noticed that chocolate bars and sweets are in some lunch boxes and again as part of 'Healthy Schools' we would ask that you keep them at home for after school or for a treat.

A few children have begun bringing in fizzy, carbonated drinks and also energy drinks such as 'PRIME'.  This is completely against our Healthy School ethos.  

Water Bottles

Just a reminder, water bottles in the classroom should contain water or weak squash. You may also wish to send your child in with a carton or a bottle with squash in for lunchtime. 

Lunchtimes

We have worked hard to improve lunchtimes at Barming Primary School in order to make the experience a more positive one for the children and staff. We want to ensure children have a good quality lunch break with time to talk to thier friends, digest their food properly and play in the fresh air.

Sitting One: Reception and Year One

11.50pm to 12.25pm: In the hall eating

12.25pm to 1pm: Play outside

Sitting Two: Year Two

12.10pm to 12.40pm: In the hall eating

12.40pm to 1.15pm: Play outside

Sitting Three: Year Three and Year Four

12.15pm to 12.30pm: Play outside

12.30pm to 12.55pm: In the hall eating

12.55pm to 1.15pm: Play outside

Sitting Four: Year Five and Year Six

12.15pm to 12.45pm: Play Outside

12.45pm to 1.15pm: In the hall eating

WATER  

Here at Barming Primary School we believe that children need to drink water regularly throughout the school day. We encourage all our children to bring a water bottle to drink in their classrooms. When the weather is hot, we recommend two water bottles!

How does drinking water link to health?
• Drinking adequate amounts of water regularly throughout the day can protect health and contribute to well-being
• Drinking adequate amounts of water can help prevent a range of short and long-term health problems from headaches to bladder problems
• Water has none of the health problems associated with drinks containing sugar, additives, sweeteners, acids or caffeine

How does drinking water improve learning?
• The key to boosting the capacity to learn is to keep well hydrated throughout the day
• When we are thirsty, mental performance deteriorates by 10%
• Pupils concentrate better because they are not distracted by the symptoms of dehydration such as thirst, tiredness and irritability
• Can aid behaviour management by helping to settle pupils in the classroom

Children will achieve more when both their health and learning needs are met.

Ensuring access to water at all times and promoting a regular water intake is a vital role for schools in promoting health and providing a healthy learning environment.

What do the Government Say?

From September 2015, school food will contribute to how schools are rated by Ofsted in a new Common Inspection Framework.

“Inspectors will look for evidence of a culture or ethos of exercise and healthy eating throughout their entire inspection visit, in classrooms as well as the school canteen. They will look at the food on offer and visit the canteen to see the atmosphere and culture in the dining space and the effect it has on pupils’ behaviour.”

• The UK now has the highest rate of obesity in Europe with one in three children overweight or obese by Year 6.  Obesity in children under 11 has risen by over 40% in ten years from 1994 to 2003. If this trend continues, half of children will be obese or overweight by 2020.  
• London has the highest obesity levels for children in Reception and Year 6 compared to other parts of the country.
• The financial impact of obesity is estimated to rise to £50 billion per annum by 2050.
• Junk food diets are causing other health problems too. For example, type 2 diabetes - once known as "late onset" and traditionally found in the over 40s - is increasingly found in adolescents.
• A poor diet also has significant effects on children's behaviour, concentration and mood. Children with diets lacking in essential vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids tend to perform worse academically, cannot concentrate and are more aggressive

Good food makes a difference!

Jamie Oliver’s campaign introduced drastic changes in the meals offered in 81 (out of 88) schools in the London borough of Greenwich, shifting from low-budget processed meals high in saturated fat, salt and sugar towards healthier options.

A 2009 study confirmed the significant benefits the campaign had on educational attainment.

The research showed that healthy school meals significantly improved educational outcomes , in particular in English and Science, and led to a 15% reduction in absenteeism due to sickness. Recently, another study from Finland shows that a healthy diet (rich in vegetables, fruit, berries, whole grain, fish and unsaturated fats, and low in sugary products) is associated with better reading skills in the first three school years. 

A Children's Food Trust study has shown that children in primary schools are 3 x more likely to concentrate in the classroom following improvements to the food and dining room.

School Nursing - Over the Summer

Kent Youth and Child Health

If any students or parents need support from our team over the summer holidays, or need general health and well-being advice then they can visit our new website https://www.kentyouthhealth.nhs.uk/

Alternatively you can text 07712 3456789

(Mon – Fri, 8 am – 8 pm) or phone 0300 123 4496 (Mon – Fri, 8 am – 6 pm) for support and advice from the team.

With Regards

The School Public Health Team.