Food and Nutrition Policy for Education

Updated April 2025

1. Purpose

Wilson Vale Catering is committed to providing nutritious, balanced, and high-quality food offerings in all school settings we serve. This policy aims to promote healthy eating habits that support the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of students, in line with national school food standards and good practice guidelines.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all food and drink provided, sold, or served by Wilson Vale Catering within school premises, including:

School breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
Food served at after-school clubs and special school events.
Canteen and vending machine offerings managed by Wilson Vale Catering.
Any Wilson Vale-led catering services during school celebrations, meetings, and fundraisers.

3. Policy Objectives

Promote the consumption of fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced food where possible.
Encourage healthy eating behaviours among students and staff.
Support schools in meeting government mandated school food standards.
Provide menu options that cater to diverse dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and cultural or religious dietary preferences.
Reinforce nutrition education messages delivered within the school curriculum.

4. Food and Nutritional Standards

4.1 General Food Provision Standards

Wilson Vale Catering will ensure:

A daily offering of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The use of wholegrain options where possible. (e.g., wholemeal bread, brown rice)
The inclusion of lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and pulses.
The provision of dairy options that are low in fat and sugar. (e.g., semi-skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurts)
The use of healthier cooking techniques. (e.g., baking, grilling, steaming rather than frying)

4.2 Minimising Less Nutritious Foods

Minimal use of ingredients high in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt.
No sugar-sweetened soft drinks will be provided or sold.
Confectionery, deep-fried items, and heavily processed snacks will be limited and comply with school food regulations.

5. Special Events and Occasions

For school events, celebrations, and fundraising activities where Wilson Vale provides food:

Healthier food and drink choices will be promoted as the default.
Occasional treats, if requested, will be offered in moderation and alongside healthier alternatives.
Non-food rewards will be encouraged by working collaboratively with school staff and leadership.

6. Allergies and Special Dietary Requirements

Wilson Vale Catering will:

Provide allergen information for all food items in accordance with UK Food Information Regulations.
Accommodate medically required diets, cultural, or religious dietary needs as communicated by the school.
Maintain clear procedures for the management of allergens to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Provide staff with regular training on allergen awareness and food safety.

7. Menu Development and Sustainability

Menus will be designed in consultation with schools and reviewed regularly.
Seasonal, local, and sustainably sourced produce will be used where possible.
Portion sizes will be age-appropriate and in line with current school food guidelines.

8. Education and Promotion of Healthy Eating

Wilson Vale Catering will support schools by:

Displaying nutrition and healthy eating information in dining areas.
Engaging students with tasting sessions, themed food days, and educational displays.
Supporting schools with resources and expertise to reinforce healthy eating messages.

9. Monitoring and Compliance

Compliance with this policy will be reviewed internally by Wilson Vale Catering management teams.
Menu audits and feedback sessions with schools will be conducted regularly.
Wilson Vale will work in partnership with schools to make necessary adjustments based on student feedback, school needs, and regulatory changes.

10. Review Cycle

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are significant changes to national school food standards or relevant nutrition guidelines.