Food and Nutrition at TPIS
Food and Nutrition
Each day every child at TPIS receives a variety and adequate amount of food and is allowed to eat at a reasonable, leisurely rate. Fruit and vegetables are served for morning and afternoon snack and are also available at lunch time. Lunch is served family style with staff sitting with the children and engaging them in conversation during meal times. No child is denied a meal for any reason other than written medical direction; young children will be encouraged to try a variety of foods but no child will be forced or otherwise coerced to eat against his or her will.
Children younger than four years are not offered the following foods due to the dangers of choking: hot dogs (whole or sliced), grapes, cherry tomatoes, nuts, popcorn, raw peas, hard pretzels, peanut butter or chunks of raw carrots or meat larger than can be swallowed whole.
As several children at our school have severe food allergies – which our canteen staff take account of when planning meals – please do not send snacks or other food from home to school with your child. An exception is milk or yoghurt drinks which should not be shared with other children. If a child does bring snacks from home, they will be asked to keep the snack in their school bag until they have been collected. We also ask that you do not give food, sweets or snacks to children on the playground at the end of the school day.
Drinks
Water dispensers are located on each floor of the main buildings, in the canteen and at the swimming pool. The water dispensers have been fitted with a tap that can be used to fill refillable water bottles. Students need to bring their own water bottle to school each day from which they can drink as and when they need; students should fill their water bottles before school and at break and lunchtimes. Bottles can be bought from the school shop. Students must drink plenty of water in this climate, particularly if they are doing a lot of physical exercise; all PE lessons will allow for at least one water break. Dairy and soya milk is served at snack times and water is available at all times throughout the day.
Snacks
During break times, students can enjoy healthy snacks from the canteen. Our daily offerings include seasonal fresh fruits, cereals, milk, and vegetable salads, ensuring nutritious options for everyone.