Schoolfriend etc has always provided a healthy snack for children going to Schoolfriend Clubs.
Over recent years, there has been an increasing demand from parents and children to provide a full
hot supper. In response to this, in May 2007, Schoolfriend etc began a pilot project to offer a new
‘healthy supper menu’ in a number of Schoolfriend Clubs across the country.
The exciting menu, which changes daily, provides children with a varied, tasty and healthy
selection of food. Children are encouraged to help prepare the food where possible, as this
promotes an interest in the cooking and preparation of nutritious food.
Schoolfriend etc consulted with Dr Michael Gordon, from the University of Reading’s Department
of Food Biosciences, who advised on the new menu. The menu changes on a monthly basis and includes
jacket potatoes with a selection of toppings, green salads, a selection of breads, dips, couscous,
plenty of fruit and vegetables, pasta, curries and soups.
The healthy supper menu is already in place in 20 Schoolfriend Clubs. To date, there has been a
fantastic response from parents, staff and children. The plan is to provide all Schoolfriend Clubs
with the new healthy supper menu during the academic year 2007/ 8.
"It is vitally important for children to have a healthy and varied diet with
plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as foods including wholegrain bread, pasta and rice. The
Schoolfriend etc new meals include a high proportion of these required foods for the healthy
development of children. If children are not able to have a similar meal at home each evening, the
nutritious hot meals provided at the Schoolfriend Clubs are a good and suitable alternative."
Dr Michael Gordon, Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Biosciences, The
University of Reading
"The provision promotes healthy eating options for children, with balanced and
nutritious meals. Children are proud to have featured in a local newspaper article, which
highlights the on-going scheme. They help to prepare food and enjoy baking activities. For
instance, they make fruit kebabs and cookies. Individual dietary requirements are met well at the
club. Snack times are pleasant and sociable as children sit together and talk. Staff encourage good
manners and children develop respect for others."
June 2007 Ofsted Inspection Report - Schoolfriend Club based at Whitehill
Primary School, Stockport
"The children have responded positively to the new menus and enjoy getting
involved with the preparation of the food including choosing their own toppings for the pizza and
jacket potatoes. The fruit smoothies have been particularly successful. Parents have also commented
that they are delighted that their children are receiving a nourishing and varied hot meal."
Yvonne Clark, Senior Area Manager, Schoolfriend etc
"There is always so much to choose from. Every day we get a different surprise.
I love the dips and tortilla wraps."
Lara, Age 8
"My favourite is the fruit smoothies and I enjoy being able to choose my own
toppings for the pizza."
Sara, Age 7
