Helping pupils make informed decisions about what they eat
Case Study: Woodford County High School for Girls
Region: South East
Organisation: Woodford County High School, Essex
Description
"Over the last three years there has been a significant shift towards healthier eating among our pupils," says Woodford County High head teacher Miss Helen Cleland. "Young people appreciate choice at mealtimes and while we can't insist that they eat healthily, we can educate them to make informed decisions about what they eat."
The food served at Woodford County High reflects part of a wider emphasis on health and wellbeing at the school. For example, the PE Department makes girls aware of the importance of cardiovascular fitness and how to get fitter. Initiatives include each term a Multistage Fitness Test and fitness sessions. "Enabling pupils to assess their fitness and to set personal targets for improvement gives us an opportunity to discuss exercise and diet - healthy eating is an important part of this overall approach. The school's Food Technology department is equally involved in promoting good health among pupils through its curriculum teaching on nutrition and by preparing material on Healthy Living as part of the school's pastoral, social and health education programme," Miss Cleland added.
Another area which has proved crucial to the evolution of healthier eating at Woodford County High is the availability of good quality food, prepared by the school's food service provider Cater Link Ltd. Many pupils are busy with extra curricular activities during the lunch period so the availability of a wide range of instantly available sandwiches and salads is popular. 'Meal Deals' (a freshly cooked main course and dessert at a fixed price) have been well received. This thinking also extends to vending machines - some now offer cereal bars and bottled mineral water.
Benefits
- Take up of school meals has increased since the school appointed a new foodservice contractor
- Many pupils who used to bring packed lunches now eat school meals.
- All food is now cooked on the premises and fresh ingredients are used
Lessons learned during implementation
- The way food is presented at mealtimes is absolutely critical
- 'Buy in' to a change to healthier eating is more likely to be achieved if pupils and parents are actively involved in the planning process
- Where chips used to be offered every day, they are now available only once a week. Perhaps surprisingly, this has not proved to be a big issue.
Future developments
To investigate new products which may appeal to pupils such as a milk bar and fruit juice vending machine.
Further information
Woodford County High School for Girls, High Road, Woodford Green, Essex
IG8 9LA
Website: www.woodford.redbridge.sch.uk/
Cater Link Ltd
Website: www.caterlinkltd.co.uk
Page published: 25 February 2005