Fruit, milk and water in schools

Free fruit in schools, the milk scheme and why drinking plenty of water is beneficial in schools.

Fruit

In Doncaster the national Fruit and Vegetables in Schools scheme ensures that infant children up to seven years of age that are given a free daily portion of fruit.

Some schools in Doncaster have opted to provide this portion of fruit or vegetable to children up to 11 years of age. Contact your school for further information.

Each year over one million pieces of fruit and vegetables are handed out with the aim of improving the health of our children and educational attainment at the same time.

Teachers, children and parents who took part in the Fruit in Schools trial, reported a better atmosphere in the class, with children being more attentive and improved behaviour. Children were also eating more fruit at home.

It is well known that eating fresh fruit provides plenty of vitamins and minerals to growing bodies and is a healthy option for children to snack on. There is clear evidence that eating more fruit and vegetables and having a well balanced diet helps reduce the risk of two main killer diseases in this country - heart disease and some cancers, plus a number of other ailments.

Under the Fruit in Schools' scheme, every primary school in the borough will receive fruit and vegetables such as apples, pears, bananas and carrots, which will be given to children under seven years within the school.

Milk

• one third of a pint of semi-skimmed milk is provided for each school child until the age of seven
• milk is free to pupils  up to the age of five
• milk is chargeable after the age of five

The milk scheme is administered by Cool Milk on behalf of the council. Please contact your school to register with Cool Milk.

Parents who qualify for free school meals receive the milk free of charge.

Milk is packed full of energy, protein and a whole range of vitamins and minerals including calcium, which is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth.

Water

Do you want to be cool, do better at sports, have more energy, have fresher breath, avoid headaches and be healthy?

• Then drink water regularly through the day!

It is essential that pupils keep hydrated and should be drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day.

There is a wealth of scientific data showing that learning is improved when this is the case. When warmer weather approaches this becomes increasingly important.