Helping any child grow up fit and healthy begins with a balanced diet. Children need to eat three balanced meals a day as well as snacks to ensure their bodies are getting all the nutrients they need.
At our private primary school in Devon, we care about your child’s health and wellbeing. Here are some of the key benefits of hot school meals, which all of our children enjoy.
Aiding Concentration
We’re all familiar with the afternoon lull. You’ve just eaten your lunch and suddenly the idea of getting back to work just doesn’t have the same appeal.
Your child is no different.
Studies have shown that children are three times more likely to concentrate in the classroom following a satisfactory meal. This is because children need the nutrients from food to fuel their brains as well as their bodies.
By eating a healthy, balanced lunch, children are even more likely to remain focused during class and get the very best out of their learning.
Trying New Foods
Trying to get a child to do something they don’t want to do usually ends poorly. Mealtimes are no exception. Hence the age-old argument; ‘how do you know you don’t like it if you’ve never tried it?’
This is where a daily hot school meal can help.
By sitting down with their peers, children are more likely to try new things. Does your child hate eating greens? Seeing one of their friends eating their vegetables might be the nudge your child needs to try it themselves.
Tackling Obesity
Children come in all shapes and sizes and no child should ever be made to feel that there is something wrong with them. Children need to consume enough food to grow and develop into healthy adults.
Sometimes, however, children may consume more than their bodies need which can lead to them becoming overweight. This can lead to serious problems in later life, such as diabetes or heart problems.
By having a hot school meal, you can rest assured that your child is receiving part of a balanced diet. Many school meals even include three of your child’s five a day.
Please note that there are other factors that can contribute to a child’s weight. Please contact your GP if you have any concerns.
Developing Social Skills
Children are impressionable and, with the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, it can be hard to know what habits your child is picking up.
By having a meal with their peers, children can learn important social skills that are essential in later life.
This includes:
- Table manners
- Conversation etiquette
- Cutlery skills
These are skills that all children need as they progress through school and, eventually, life.
With a hot school meal, you’re not just keeping your child fed, but allowing them to learn outside of the classroom.
School meals can teach children about food and nutrition, helping them build the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
Here at St Peter’s Prep, we’re passionate about setting our pupils up for the rest of their life. To learn more about what we offer, please contact Rachel Elliott, Director of Admissions & Marketing, on 01395 280335 or email rachel.elliott@stpetersprepschool.co.uk
