Hearty, Healthy Breakfast at Pebsham School

Head Teacher, Pat Strikson explained that this is the third year that the school has extended the school day in order for children and parents to enjoy the special breakfast.

Timed to coincide with Valentines day, Pat said the school were actively promoting the 'healthy heart' message and, as in previous years, with the emphasis being on healthy eating, a selection of cereals, juices and toast were on offer.

However, this year, to encourage more Dads to attend the event, Pat said they added another couple of scrummy items to the menu.

She said: "Dads wanted bacon and sausages, so we found some healthy low fat alternatives and included Daddies bacon and sausage butties to the menu."

The 'butties' appeared to be going down a storm with dads and pupils alike, and the breakfast event certainly seemed to be giving the pupils a kick start to their day, as the school hall buzzed with lively chatter.

'School council' representatives, Jade Watts aged ten, and eleven year old Amy Pickman, both thought the breakfast was a good idea as some children may not get this important meal at home.

Amy said: "Some children don't have breakfast so this is a good idea for them '“ and I enjoy it!"

Jade, who explained that their duties as school council is to to primarily, "help improve the school, and come up with ideas", along with, "speaking on behalf of the pupils", said she thought the breakfast was, "a really good idea", adding, "pupils can sit together at the tables and have breakfast with their families."

The school's parent information contact, Lisa Payne, was delighted that so many parents had turned up to support the event.

She said: "I'm really pleased with the amount of parents who have come today. I think this is a good way to encourage healthy eating and exercise."

The British Heart Foundations message to parents to help keep children healthy is to encourage them to keep active and to participate in physical activity for sixty minutes a day, along with eating a healthy balanced diet that includes five portions of fruit and veg.

For more information on the British Heart Foundation Healthy eating month visit the website at: www.bhf.org.uk