Healthy Eating Policy

At Carysfort National School, the wellbeing of every child is at the heart of our ethos. We believe that children learn and flourish best in an environment that is nurturing, supportive and progressive.

As part of this, we actively promote healthy eating. Our Healthy Eating Policy encourages children to develop lifelong healthy habits, supports their physical wellbeing, and helps them achieve their full potential through confidence, self-belief, and good nutrition.

Our Aims

Through our Healthy Eating Policy, we aim to:

  • Ensure that children enjoy balanced, nutritious snacks and lunches in school.

  • Support the personal development and physical wellbeing of every child.

  • Help students understand the importance of good nutrition for health, growth and concentration.

  • Encourage children to take personal responsibility in making wise food choices, in age-appropriate ways.

Healthy Snack & Lunch Suggestions

We recommend a variety of simple, balanced options, such as:

  • Fruit – peeled and chopped for younger children

  • Vegetables / Salads

  • Protein – meat, fish, egg, beans, pulses, hummus, falafel etc.

  • Carbohydrates – bread, pasta, rice, couscous, noodles etc.

  • Dairy – milk, cheese, yogurt (preferably unsweetened), fromage frais

  • Drinks – water or milk

For more inspiration and practical tips, visit Safefood Healthy Eating for Children.

Foods & Drinks Not Allowed

The following are not permitted in lunchboxes or as after-school snacks:

  • Crisps

  • Fizzy drinks, high-sugar juices, energy drinks

  • Sweets, chocolate, chocolate bars

  • Biscuits and cereal bars

  • Chewing gum and fruit winders

  • Instant noodles

  • Pastries, doughnuts, high-sugar baked goods

  • Popcorn, flapjacks

Implementation

  • Parents are asked to support the policy by avoiding these items in lunchboxes.

  • Teachers will remind children about healthy choices if unsuitable food is brought in. If the behaviour is repeated, parents and the Principal will be contacted.

  • Occasional treats may be allowed on special days, such as school trips or events.

Allergy Awareness

To ensure the safety of all pupils:

  • Nuts and nut-based products (e.g., Nutella, peanut butter) are strictly prohibited at all times, including Cake Sale days.

  • Parents of children with coeliac disease or other specific dietary needs should inform the school so that support can be provided.

Promoting Lifelong Healthy Habits

We know that a balanced diet helps children feel well, concentrate better, and develop positive habits for life. At Carysfort, we reinforce these principles through our Wellbeing, SPHE, SESE and Literacy curricula.

The HSE Healthy Eating Policy Toolkit for Primary Schools has been used in developing our school’s approach.

We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of parents in helping us maintain a healthy, happy and safe school environment.