Dear Parents/Carers
You may have heard about the Government’s plans to introduce a National School Fruit Scheme for primary aged pupils. Under the scheme, each child will be entitled to receive a free piece of fruit each school day. Scientists agree that everybody, including children, can reduce their risk of heart disease and cancer by eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. On average, children in the UK currently eat only 2 portions a day.
The New Opportunities Fund, the largest of the lottery good cause distributors, has made £42 million available to introduce the scheme in some areas of the country prior to the Government’s national programme that starts in 2004. Our school is within one of the areas to benefit from a grant from the New Opportunities Fund and will be able to receive free fruit.
The scheme will start on 1st March 2004. Your child will be offered a free piece of fruit each day. I do not expect the scheme to disrupt the normal school day in any way.
The fruit will be fresh and of good quality, equivalent to the fruit that we buy in the shops. The aim is for the children to have a positive and enjoyable experience of fruit.
The scheme is voluntary, and there is no obligation for your child to take part.
It is essential that you inform us of any allergies your child may have, so that we can ensure they are not given anything which will harm them.
Please complete the consent form attached in order for your child to be able to participate in the scheme and receive their free fruit.
Yours truly,
Jane Murray
Principal
Attachment
PLEASE RETURN TO RAVENSBOURNE SCHOOL
CONSENT FORM FOR FREE FRUIT (for as long as the scheme is in operation)
I WISH MY CHILD (name)…………………………………………………..
DO NOT WISH MY CHILD (name)………………………………………….
TO HAVE FREE FRUIT AT SCHOOL
PARENT/CARER SIGNATURE……………………………………………….
DATE……………………………………………………………………………..
THIS PROVISION IS FOR PUPILS IN THE PRIMARY DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL..