of policies - Broomwood Hall

Early Years Children: Information for parents (continued) – page 4
Visits
We organise local excursions (park, church, library, farm, fire-station, common,) which are designed to
help the children to acquire a basic understanding of our traditions, of the natural world and of the
importance of other cultures. Our term date booklets list the major visits that are due to take place
during each term and further details are provided in our weekly newsletters for parents. We require
parents to sign a permission slip for these excursions at the beginning of each school year. Copies of our
policy on ‘Visits for Early Years Foundation Stage Children’ may be viewed in our reception area or sent
to parents on request.
Food and Drink
Children are offered a drink of milk or water and a plain biscuit or fruit at morning break. Drinking
water is available throughout the day.
A two course lunch is provided every day, which all children are required to eat unless they fall into one
of our exceptions categories noted below. A member of staff sits at each table to eat with the children
and whose job is to encourage the children to try everything and ensure that second helpings are offered.
Children are given stamps on their hands when they clean their plates (or eat something that they have
not enjoyed in the past).
Weekly menus are displayed at the entrance to each Lower School. Due to space and time constraints,
we are unable to offer any choice, save the very limited ones listed under exceptions below. We offer
our pupils a varied, healthy and tasty diet and serve only food which we know the majority of children
like and will eat.
Parents are asked not to send food or drink to school with their child.
Special Diets
The school is a nut free zone and all our cooking ingredients are checked to ensure that they comply
with this policy. Parents of children who have allergies to any food product, or who have special dietary
requirements, are asked to make this clear in the school’s medical questionnaire. They should inform the
school at once if their child subsequently develops an intolerance of any food. The school Head and
Chef are happy to see any parent who has concerns about their son or daughter’s medical condition, and
to devise a special menu, where practically possible.
Exceptions
The school does not make any exceptions, other than the following:
o Vegetarians - there will always be a vegetarian alternative available.
o Low Sugar* - children on a low sugar diet may have fruit for puddings on days when the
pudding contains additional sugar
o Gluten free* - the school cook will re-heat any special meals which are brought in that morning
by the parent of the child which requires such specialised foods
o Non-dairy* - on days when the main course contains dairy products, the vegetarian alternative
will always be non-dairy. If the pudding is dairy, non-dairy children may have fruit.
* Children requiring these diets must have a doctor’s certificate before we will make these available.