Why is a school lunch a great option for your child? This is what Mr Bill Lewis, the Headteacher at St Augustines Primary School, has to say about school lunches.

" School lunchtime is a vital part of the whole school day and I would recommend a school meal to every parent.  They are healthy, nutritious, varied and I believed the best option for children.  We do a lot to educate children about healthy lifestyles and lunch is the ninth lesson of the day."

The old days of soggy cabbage and chocolate concrete are long gone.  However, you might not be aware of how much school lunches have changed, so I thought you might like the latest information.

A school lunch has never been more popular in Nottingham City since we completely revised our menus after extensive market research with parents and pupils.  On top of this we set out to make the education about healthy foods fun, exciting and enjoyable.  We have introduced a cuddly, cartoon style character called Cyril.  He is providing a link up with the classroom in a way that encourages pupils to try new foods and enter educational competitions.

We have been working very hard with the catering and teaching staff to encourage your child to adopt and develop a healthy lifestyle.  This will have so many benefits for them, such as:-

- Growing up fit and healthy.
- Enjoying life to the full.
- Helping to learn more in afternoon lessons.

On top of all this if your child has one of Cyril's healthy and nutritious lunches it can save you time, effort and money.  For example, you won't have to worry about packed lunches any more, or remembering if you have all the ingredients and less washing up!

You might like to know more about the full ABC of Healthy Eating that Cyril is promoting.  It goes like this:-


A is for All
All food is fun and great to eat.

B is for Balance
You need to have a range of different foods over the week and to combine that with daily exercise.

C is for choice
Our menus are full of healthy choices for your child.

A SCHOOL LUNCH HELPS YOUR CHILD PREPARE BETTER FOR AFTERNOON LESSONS

Your child uses up a great deal of energy during a full school day.  They need to concentrate during lessons, let off steam at play times and then recharge their batteries for the afternoon.  It is all part of growing up.

I am sure you appreciate that a good quality, nourishing lunch can help recharge your child's battery.  This is why we have spent so much time on balancing the menus from a nutritional standpoint.  On top of this we have added in an educational element with the ABC of Healthy eating.

Our market research with parents and children shows that you want us to do more to promote and educate pupils about healthy eating.  This is another reason why we have also introduced our character Cyril.  He has proved a big hit wherever he has gone - He is encouraging children to learn about food and what makes up a balanced diet.

9 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT SCHOOL LUNCHES IN NOTTINGHAM CITY

All lunches comply with the nutritional guidelines laid down by the Government.

In Nottingham City, Cyril Squirrel makes healthy eating fun, exciting and enjoyable for children so that they want to come back for more and try new foods.

Cyril is a cartoon style character that has been developed to promote healthy options.  He runs his own club and sends messages in secret code.  This helps your child develop their literacy and numeracy skills.

Cyril encourages pupils to try different foods.  A full week's menu is displayed in school.

Cyril teaches children about his ABC of Healthy Eating.

We work hard with our suppliers to make sure all the ingredients are top quality with no harmful additives.

We cater for all your needs including special diets e.g. diabetic, coeliac, Milk intolerant.  We also provide a daily vegetarian choice and Halal Products where requested.

School lunches are great value for money, especially when you compare the costs of a packed lunch such as the ingredients, cleaning materials and your time.

If you are entitled to family benefits your child might be entitled to a free meal each day.  Ask your School Secretary for more information.

So let your child have a school meal today and join Cyril's club.