Healthy Schools

At Our Lady of the Angels, we are proud to be recognised as a Healthy School.

As part of our commitment to being a Healthy School, we follow Welsh Government guidance on snacks, drinks and packed lunches. These resources explain why we promote certain choices and how families can support healthy habits.

Healthy Snacks in Primary Schools

Welsh Government guidance states that almost all primary schools in Wales specify fruit and vegetables only as break‑time snacks.

Fruit and vegetables are recommended because they:

• Provide fibre, vitamins and minerals

• Are naturally low in calories, supporting a healthy weight

• Help reduce the risk of health issues such as bowel problems, cardiovascular disease and some cancers

• Contribute towards the recommended five portions a day of fruit and vegetables

Healthy Drinks in Primary Schools

Water and milk should be the only drinks brought into school for personal consumption.

This approach helps children:

• Normalise drinking water as the best hydration method

• Maintain a healthy weight, as water contains no additional calories

• Avoid dental damage caused by soft drinks, juices and artificially sweetened drinks, which contain free sugars or sweeteners

• Benefit from milk as a source of protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals

Healthy Lunchboxes

Parents and carers play an important role in helping children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. We encourage balanced, nutritious packed lunches that align with school food policies. Our school restrict items such as sweets, chocolate bars, crisps and sugary drinks and we prohibit items containing nuts to protect children and staff with allergies.

Key advice:

• Include fruit and vegetables - children are more likely to eat them if they’re colourful, bite‑sized or ready‑to‑eat

• Use a variety of starchy foods (e.g., bread, pasta, potatoes) and try wholemeal or seeded options where possible

• Add a protein source such as chicken, lean meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans or pulses

• Include dairy or alternatives, choosing lower‑fat and lower‑sugar options where possible (e.g., yoghurt, fromage frais, soft cheese)

• Provide a drink - water or milk are the healthiest choices; fruit juice should be limited to 150ml of unsweetened juice.