Whole School Food Policy for Scottish Borders Schools
This policy was approved by the Education Executive on 29 June for implementation with immediate effect from August 2004.
Why have a whole school food policy?
Scotland has a poor health record. One of the key priorities is to address the issue of diet. Good diet has important educational benefits. The school years provide a unique opportunity to positively influence and affect behaviour. Food has a key role in children's health and in their health throughout the adult years.
Good health and good diet are linked and both have important educational benefits. The links between good health and well-being of pupils and their capacity to benefit from educational opportunities and attain high standards of achievement have been well established for many years. Good health narrows the opportunity gap and has positive effects on personal, social and educational achievement as well as addressing the issues of social inclusion and social justice.
We will develop pupils' understanding of food, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, which will inform eating habits within and outwith school, and throughout life.
A whole school approach to food provides an opportunity to develop the role of the Health Promoting School and whilst a whole school approach to food in general reflects the Health Promoting School philosophy it also provides tangible examples of the Health Promoting School model through:-
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Leadership and management - a clearly defined lead for food in schools in order to affect change.
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Ethos- for pupils and staff this emphasises a positive supportive and equitable environment which offers opportunities to develop knowledge attitudes and skills around food.
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Partnerships - a strong commitment to partnership working offers opportunities for pupils, staff, parents and key stakeholders to contribute to the range and choice of food available in school.
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Curriculum - a commitment to develop pupils understanding of food nutrition and healthy lifestyles which will inform eating habits within and outwith school and throughout life.
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Environment, Resources and Facilities - a safe supportive environment where the schools facilities and resources support change and offer pupils and staff the opportunities to make healthier choices.
This Food Policy is an integral part of the council's contribution to Hungry For Success (external link) - the national initiative to develop a whole school approach to food.
Scottish Borders Council is also committed to ensuring all schools within the authority become Health Promoting Schools by 2007, and the Whole School Food policy is a significant step towards achieving this.
Aim
Scottish Borders Council will ensure the school experience of food and nutrition contributes to the health and well being of pupils, staff, visitors and the wider community.
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