Lunch Club is available to children from sometime during the term after they start, depending on the child and how well they have settled, and the families preference. If you want your child to stay to Lunch Club then you should discuss it with their Key-worker, as some children are ready to cope with a longer day and eating in a different environment at this age, and some are not.

Lunch Club covers the period from 12.15 to 1 p.m. and children bring a packed lunch. We sit and eat together and it offers a good opportunity to practice social skills, talk about healthy food, and to develop independence, e.g. in opening your lunch, opening packets, managing a yoghurt etc. Staff and children chat and eat together, in a friendly atmosphere, and staff are always on hand to help a child who needs it, or to encourage them to eat.

We have a healthy eating policy, so lunches should NOT contain sweets, chocolate or fizzy drinks. We have a suggestions leaflet available if required, and staff are always happy to discuss individual dietary requirements. We try to establish good eating habits with the children, so that they are accustomed to eating sandwiches (or the equivalent), yoghurt and fruit before they eat cakes or crisps. We hope that if these habits are established then they will continue if they have packed lunches as they move on to school.

Food allergies are not a problem and we have clear, established protocols in place. We have regularly and successfully dealt with children in the past with a variety of allergies both serious and minor. All these children have attended Lunch Club and have never had any difficulties.

A small extra charge will be made if your child stays for Lunch Club but is not yet receiving Government funding..