12 November 2019
An initiative that combines healthy and nutritionally balanced breakfasts with a morning sport activity has been launched at Plat Douet Primary School.
The Breakfast Initiative has been developed by Government departments in collaboration with Jersey Sport and Jersey Dairy.
From Monday this week, children at the school have been able to buy a hot or cold breakfast for a donation of 50p per day and then take part in the Daily Mile, which encourages pupils to run or jog at their own pace for 15 minutes each morning.
The Breakfast Initiative, which supports the Government’s Food and Nutrition Strategy, is available to all children in Years 1 to 6 at the school.
The Assistant Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, said: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and providing a good, nutritious breakfast will have a significant impact on children’s physical and mental wellbeing. A good diet and nutrition can lead to focused learners and, therefore, improve educational outcomes.”
Plat Douet head teacher Phil Walker said: “The Breakfast Initiative gives our children a great start to the day. They’re able to enjoy a healthy breakfast at a minimal cost while socialising with their friends and some of our teachers before the school day properly begins. The exercise element of the programme is crucial to encouraging children to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
“We’re also delighted with the support we’re receiving from Jersey Sport and Jersey Dairy for this important initiative.”
The pilot, which complements other Food and Nutrition Strategy programmes launched this term in a number of schools, will run for the rest of the school year and will then be reviewed.
The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture with delegated responsibility for sport, Senator Steve Pallett, said: “Within this pilot we are combining healthy breakfasts with activity to give children a great start to each school day. By supporting good eating and exercise habits these youngsters not only learn good disciplines to take into later life but also have the opportunity to share learning with siblings and parents. My thanks go to all those involved at Plat Douet School.”
Since the start of the autumn term the following food and nutrition programmes have been launched:
Food Dudes at St Saviour, Grands Vaux, Rouge Bouillon and First Tower primary schools. The programme encourages children to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Family Healthy Lifestyle programme at Plat Douet and Springfield primary schools. The eight-week course is open to all families with children in Years 1 to 3 and is delivered by registered dietitians and Jersey Sport.
The provision of nutritionally balanced school meals, in partnership with Caring Cooks, at Samarès and Janvrin primary schools.
Students at Hautlieu, De La Salle Primary School, FCJ Primary School, Victoria College, Grainville School, De La Salle College, Les Quennevais School and Haute Vallée School have been offered a healthier school meal menu since the start of term.
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