School - catering
Part of a child’s education is to teach them about nutrition and
equip them so that they are able to make their own choices about
food. The Facilities Management Catering Service in the Rochdale
Borough makes sure there are healthy products available for
children to choose throughout the school day. We look forward to
serving your child in the future.
Each schools menu will differ
depending on the needs of the children and many offer halal
choices. Examples of primary and secondary school menus together
with nutritional advice is available at the following links:
Nutritional issues
Our menus are based on the balance of good health and are
planned to provide a balanced range of popular choices for your
child to enjoy. We are committed to healthy eating and work in
close partnership with schools to promote an awareness of good
nutrition.
Special diets
We are happy to accommodate medical diets. Please let your
school know if your child has been prescribed a special diet and we
will liaise with the school and the dietician. Should you have any
queries please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can help
your child enjoy their lunch.
Multi-cultural tastes
Successfully catering for the varied needs of our customers is a
high priority for the catering service. In terms of variety, choice
and the need to provide suitable food for a variety of different
cultural tastes, you may not be aware that we have a certificate of
authenticity and are approved by the Halal Food Authority.
Free fruit
It is in the early years that young children decide what foods
they like and dislike. Enjoying fruit at an early age can have many
benefits in future life. We provide most primary schools with a
free piece of fruit for all key stage 1 pupils.
Making eating more fun
Your child’s health and happiness is important to us. Our staff
make lunchtime fun and interesting and communicate the message
about the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining a healthy
lifestyle.
There are often fun theme days run in schools which encourage
children to try new foods, discover new shapes, smells, textures,
tastes and foods from around the world.
Catering for your child
We understand that eating at school is a whole new experience
for your child. Many of our staff are parents too, they share your
concerns about children’s diets, understanding fads and fancies.
They encourage children to take a balanced meal and make sure each
child leaves the servery with a meal they will enjoy.
Children are offered choice and variety everyday at lunchtime.
Fresh potatoes, vegetables, salads, yogurt and fruit are always
available.
Benefits of good food at school
There is evidence to show that food eaten by young people at
school affects their behaviour and ability to learn. By committing
to a regular school meal you can be sure your child is eating well
at lunchtime. So what are the benefits of enjoying a school
lunch?
- School lunches are freshly cooked each day and offer hot and
cold, meat and non-meat choices, with a choice of dessert, fruit or
yogurt. Salads of sandwich meals are also available
- All menus are nutritionally balanced and conform to the
government’s national nutritional guidelines
- The meals are served by helpful and understanding catering
staff
- Children can sit down together and enjoy their meal, whilst at
the same time developing those social skills of eating together
that are so important in later life
- A well-fed and happy child is more likely to be receptive to
participating in the afternoon’s activities.
- Someone else preparing and cooking lunch for your child, which
saves you worrying about a packed meal every day.
Staff, our greatest asset