We place great importance on a healthy, balanced diet here at Emerge School, as we believe that social and cognitive development along with improved health cannot be achieved without good nutrition. Through healthy eating, children can grow and develop as they need to and overcome social, emotional and behavioural difficulties to learn to their full potential. 

We also encourage further social development through our daily 'Family Lunch,' whereby students will enjoy their eating experience with staff and peers, exchanging stories, jokes and engaging in general social chat, whilst enjoying a range of delicious food options. 

We always try to ensure there is something on the menu that our pupils like and welcome their suggestions of alternative dishes so that we can continue to encourage them to eat healthy and nutritious meals. Menus are discussed in class regularly and opportunities given for pupils to have their say. We aim to rotate our meal options on a 3 weekly basis, so there is plenty of time for new dishes to be added when requests are made.

Children may bring sandwiches for lunch if they prefer. Sandwiches must be brought to school in a lunch box (which is clearly labelled with the child's name and class). In light of the government's healthy eating guidelines, we suggest that packed lunches contain the following healthy items:

• A good portion of starchy food, e.g. wholemeal bread, chapatti, pitta pocket, pasta or rice salad. 
• Plenty of fruit and vegetables, e.g. apple, satsuma, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks or a mini can of fruit chunks.
• A portion of lean meat, fish or alternative, e.g. chicken, tuna, egg or hummus. 
• A portion of semi-skimmed milk or dairy food, e.g. a pot of yogurt or an individual cheese portion.
• A drink, e.g. fruit juice, semi skimmed milk or water.  

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Please make our staff aware if your child suffers from any type of food allergy or intolerance to ingredients. All food offered at our school comes with a complete list of ingredients contained so that we can cater safely for specific dietary requirements. 

Please see our example menus below for a further insight into our school lunches:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3