Levette Callander, Depute Headteacher at Kilpatrick School explains, “This practical and interactive approach in choosing healthy options promotes independence, confidence and self esteem as many of the children can now take ownership in terms of what they have to eat and the kids get into the healthy eating and healthy living promoted through school, so much more than before.”
“In fact, I have been greatly amused by feedback from some of the parents, that quite of a few of the children have refused to eat food at home as they didn’t feel that it was of a high enough nutritional value and have actually been dictating healthy eating to their parents!”
As well as the pictorial menus used in the newly refurbished Dining Room, books have also been developed for parents to have a copy to help their kids engage the healthy eating plan, both at school and at home.
May Smillie, West Dunbartonshire Council’s Convenor for Education said, “What a fantastic idea! It’s so simple, but it really works. The kids have really embraced it and the feedback I am hearing from teachers, parents and dinner ladies is all very positive.
A pictorial menu can now be sent home for certain pupils whose parents like to discuss their meals or have
specific dietary requirements and with the bigger menu boards, pupils really enjoy looking at menu so they
know what is on for lunch beforehand. It’s clearly helping non talkers help make choices.
It’s a really great idea and I would be surprised if it wasn’t rolled out and used nationally!”
