ARCHIVE - Newsletter

Dear Parent/Carer

You may have heard about the Government's School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. Under the scheme, each child aged four to six in LEA-maintained schools will be entitled to receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. Scientists agree that everybody, including children, can reduce their risk of heart disease and cancer by eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. On average, children in the UK eat only two portions a day.

I am delighted that our school has been given the opportunity to participate in this exciting scheme, which reinforces our commitment of healthy eating. From Wednesday 24th November 2004 your child will be offered a free piece of fruit or vegetable each day. This will be made available to them to eat at morning snack time.

The fruit and vegetable will be fresh and of good quality. The aim is for the children to have a positive and enjoyable experience of fruit and vegetables.

The scheme is voluntary, and although there is no obligation for your child to take part, I hope you will share my belief that it has many benefits. It is a great way to help us teach our children the benefits of healthy eating. If you do not wish your child to participate in the scheme, you must let me know before 19th November. It is essential that you inform us of any allergies your child may have so that we can ensure they are not given anything that might harm them.

As part of our schools commitment to this scheme we will be changing the rules for morning snack time for all children in KS1 and KS2. Children may eat fruit or vegetable only during snack time. This could include fruit, vegetables such as carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and dried fruit, for example sultanas or pure fruit bars. (Not fruit yogurts, fruit winders etc). If in doubt pure fruit products carry the five a day symbol found on the attached information leaflet. Most local schools operate a similar healthy eating scheme for their children.

We will be making the launch a fun day for the children to look forward to - here will be more details about this nearer the time.

If you have any questions, please contact the school fruit and vegetable coordinator.

Kind regards,

Stephen Williams
Headteacher