Lunch Club Guidance
Children spend their time at lunch club sitting alongside their friends and teachers enjoying a packed lunch provided by parents. We ask that your child's packed lunch contains no nuts, no products containing sesame including hummus and no pesto due to allergies. We also ask that the lunch is provided in a named lunch box or lunch bag so that it is easy for both the teachers and the children to identify. The children are encouraged to eat the contents of their lunch however we never force a child to eat more than they wish. Please do not feel like you have to provide more food than necessary for your child, if they ask for more we will provide fruit, vegetables or carbohydrates for them and bring this to your attention upon pick up so you can provide more next time.
During our morning session the children are also provided with a snack that they can access when they wish. This consists of crackers, cheese, vegetables, fruit and yoghurt with the option of either milk or water. We encourage the children to have similar items in their packed lunch - please find examples of food to include in your child's packed lunch below.
If you would like to sign your child up for lunch club sessions during the week, please let your key person know or use our online form available through the 'child extra hours form' link.
Lunch Box Ideas
Sandwich or Alternative
Sandwich or Alternative
Sandwich or Alternative
We expect the children to have a main food item in their lunchbox that will supply them with energy needed for the afternoon. This could be in the form of:
- A Sandwich
- A Wrap
- Pitta Bread
- Crackers
- Cold Pasta
- Rice
Vegetables
Sandwich or Alternative
Sandwich or Alternative
It is beneficial to include vegetables alongside the child's sandwich to ensure that they are getting their five a day. These foods provide the children with nutrients and minerals to fight against illness. Some ideas are:
- Cucumber
- Carrot Sticks
- Celery
- Avocado
- Peppers
Cheese or Meat
Sandwich or Alternative
Cheese or Meat
If you find your child is finishing the lunch you provide and that they are hungry when they get home you might want to supply them with additional protein in their lunch boxes. This could be:
- Cheese
- Egg
- Cocktail Sausages
- Sliced Meat
Fruit
Yoghurt
Cheese or Meat
Similarly to vegetables, fruit provides children with the nutrients and minerals needed to fight against illness. Some ideas are:
- Grapes (please ensure that you give children grapes that are halved longways to avoid choking).
- Berries
- Apple
- Banana
- Melon
Yoghurt
Yoghurt
Yoghurt
A dairy product helps to ensure your child is getting enough calcium for healthy bones and teeth, yoghurt is a great source of dairy for children.
Drink
Yoghurt
Yoghurt
Please ensure that your child is supplied with a drink alongside their lunch, preferably milk or water. We ask that this drink is either placed inside or is attached to their lunch box to avoid confusion. We encourage the children to have a reusable water bottle to limit plastic waste in our setting.
'Eat Better, Start Better'
For further advice on healthy packed lunches for early years please visit the Action For Children 'Eat Better, Start Better' PDF linked below.
Harpenden URC Preschool & Nursery
Vaughan Road, Harpenden, AL5 4ED
Copyright © 2020 Harpenden URC Preschool - All Rights Reserved.
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