Pupils get a fresh outlook (From Warrington Guardian)

Pupils get a fresh outlook

FREE fruit, milk and healthy food are giving pupils more energy and improving their behaviour, says a headteacher.

Pupils at The Park primary school in Castlefields enjoy homemade soup twice a week and love tasting new flavours like raw broccoli and cauliflower at their daily salad bar.

"The children have an energy boost they didn't have before," said headteacher Ann Bennett. "They used to flag mid afternoon. Now they're able to sustain work for the whole day. It has definitely made a difference."

An additive free lunchtime menu, she said, has not only improved their behaviour in school, but also at home. Parents say their children's sleep patterns are much better and they're not as hyperactive.

Even dentists have commented on the difference it has made.

"A dentist came in and asked what we had changed," said Mrs Bennett. "He said their dental health had improved."

All 157 pupils, aged three to 11, receive free fruit and milk every day. The Park has secured £85,000 funding to develop a pioneering family centre after successfully piloting the national school fruit scheme.

A full time health worker and part time home economist will help families gain confidence as they learn new culinary skills.

Combat

"The NHS forecasts it will require an additional £3.6bn by 2010 to combat the problems created by the food children are eating today," said Mrs Bennett.

"It is much better invested in re-thinking. Just how to cook basic unadulterated food. I'm not implying parents don't cook, some have not had the opportunities that I had."

Mrs Bennett added: "We're growing fruit and veg here in a little allotment. Parents can come in and learn how to make cakes, experiment with different flour, natural sweeteners, taste them and make informed choices."