Primary school scoops top award for healthy eating

A primary school in Sheffield has become the first in Yorkshire to be recognised for meeting the highest standards in school meals and promoting healthy eating.

Waterthorpe Infant School is one of just seven schools in England that have been given the Food For Life gold award.

The accolade is given to schools that meet strict standards on healthy eating, sustainably sourced food and support for local food producers.

Head teacher Shelly Appleby said: "Understanding food and where it comes from are skills that children need for life so we think that's just as important as learning to read and write."

More than 700 schools and 80 nurseries in England are taking part in the Food for Life programme, which is run by the food and farming charity, the Soil Association.

Sophie Pritchard, from the charity, described it as a "remarkable achievement".

She said: "A Food for Life award at any level demonstrates that a school is embedding a whole school approach to food and nutrition and the gold award shows commitment and passion throughout the school and into the community beyond."

Appleby said the school, which has a 32% free school meals take up, offered a "progressive approach" during lunch to ensure children "enjoy the experience".

She said: "We don't want to rush children through.

"We keep the dining hall really quiet. In reception, children will carry a flight tray themselves and line up and get their own dinner and then find somewhere to sit themselves.

"In Year 1 and 2, they have proper plates, and serve themselves the dinner."

Pupil Elsie, aged seven, said her favourite school lunch was "winner winner, chicken dinner" and said she enjoyed "chatting with friends" while she ate.

The government is currently consulting on plans to update the school food standards for the first time in more than a decade, with a focus on making meals healthier, more balanced and more consistent across all schools.

Under the proposals, fruit would replace "sugar-laden treats" for the majority of the school week, and schools would no longer be allowed to offer unhealthy "grab and go" options like sausage rolls and pizza every day.

At Waterthorpe, staff said stickers and reward systems had helped encourage children to make healthy choices and eat more fruit and vegetables.

A new school allotment where pumpkins, beetroot and tomatoes are grown alongside mint and coriander, has also given children an insight into where their food comes from.

Suzanne Marriott, the school's eco leader, said: "Sometimes our children go to the supermarket and think that's where potatoes and carrots come from so they've been amazed when they see the plants start to grow - they just can't believe it's something they've grown themselves."

Other initiatives that have helped the school reach gold standard include cooking clubs, food-themed assemblies and recipe cards for parents.

The school has also been supported with their meals offer through Sheffield Council's Eat Smart programme.

Lisa Aldwin, programme manager, said the school has shown a "fantastic level of commitment" and the award had "inspired the whole school community".

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North