A healthy, balanced lunch helps give little ones the energy they need for a busy day of playing, learning and exploring at Brighstone Preschool.

We know that preparing packed lunches every day can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you're trying to find something that's nutritious, affordable and, most importantly, something your child will actually eat!

The good news is that healthy lunchboxes don't need to be complicated. A little variety and a few simple ideas can make lunchtime both enjoyable and nutritious.

What Makes a Healthy Lunchbox?

When putting together your child's lunchbox, try to include a mixture of different foods to help provide the energy and nutrients they need throughout the day.

Some ideas include:

• Something filling: Sandwiches, wraps, pitta bread, pasta or rice can provide energy for busy little bodies.
• Fruit and vegetables: Add some colour with sliced fruit, cucumber, peppers or other vegetables your child enjoys.
• A source of protein: Eggs, chicken, beans, hummus or other suitable fillings can help make lunch more satisfying.
• Something containing calcium: Cheese or yoghurt can be useful additions.
• A drink: Water is a great everyday choice for keeping children hydrated.

Remember to prepare foods appropriately for your child's age and stage of development, particularly where there may be a choking risk.

Handy Tips for Happier Lunchboxes

Sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference!

Our handy Lunchbox Tips guide is packed with practical suggestions to help parents and carers create lunches that are healthy, varied and appealing to little appetites.

From choosing foods that keep children fuller for longer to introducing more fruit and vegetables, there are plenty of ideas worth trying.

A few favourites include:

• Mix things up: Try wraps, pittas or different sandwich fillings to keep lunchtime interesting.
• Add a little colour: Include a variety of fruit and vegetables to make lunchboxes more appealing.
• Think beyond crisps: Try alternatives such as plain popcorn or rice cakes, where suitable for your child's age.
• Get children involved: Let little ones help choose and prepare their lunch. They're often more willing to try something they've helped make!
• Keep it varied: Offering different foods helps children discover new tastes and textures.



And remember, you don't need to change everything overnight. Introducing one or two new ideas at a time can be a great place to start.

Need Some Fresh Lunchbox Inspiration?

If you've found yourself making the same sandwiches every day, you're certainly not alone!

The NHS Healthier Families website offers a fantastic collection of healthier lunchbox recipes, practical suggestions and ideas to help make packed lunches more interesting.

Whether you're looking for alternatives to the usual sandwich, new fillings or ways to introduce a little more variety, it's a useful resource for parents and carers.

Explore the NHS Healthier Families lunchbox ideas here:

https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/

You might even like to involve your child in choosing what goes into their lunchbox. Giving little ones a choice between a couple of healthy options can help them feel involved and encourage them to try something new.

Prefer a School Dinner? We've Got That Covered Too!

Of course, packed lunches aren't the only option!

School dinners provided by Chartwells are available daily at Brighstone Preschool for £4.02 per meal.

This can be a convenient alternative for families who would prefer a prepared lunch or simply want a break from making packed lunches.

The Chartwells menu follows a three-week rotation, offering a variety of dishes and familiar favourites.

Depending on the day, choices include roast dinners, pasta dishes, pizza, vegetarian alternatives, jacket potatoes and baguettes, with a dessert also listed.

The menus are designed to offer different choices throughout the week, helping families find something their little ones will enjoy.



Take a Look at What's on the Menu!

We've included all three weekly menus below so you can see the meals available and plan ahead.

Simply check the dates shown on each menu to see which week's meals are being served.

Week 1 – Chartwells School Dinner Menu

Happy, Healthy Lunchtimes

Every child has different tastes and preferences, and developing healthy eating habits takes time.

Offering a variety of foods, encouraging children to try new flavours and keeping mealtimes relaxed can all help make lunchtime a positive experience.

Whether you choose a homemade packed lunch or one of our Chartwells school dinners, the aim is the same: helping our little learners stay happy, healthy and ready for their next adventure!



Because happy tummies help make happy little learners!

Week 2 – Chartwells School Dinner Menu

Week 3 – Chartwells School Dinner Menu