DairyCo

Newstead Primary case study

Break-time milk scheme

Nottinghamshire LA
Headteacher: Peter Stonier

Newstead Primary were operating a milk scheme for Key Stage 1 children but was not providing this facility for Key Stage 2. Following advice from DairyCo's School Milk Project, the school canvassed all parents on their views on introducing a Key Stage 2 scheme.

At the same time as their parents received the canvass letter, health benefits of milk as part of a healthy balanced diet were promoted to the children during one of their assemblies.

The response from parents and children was very positive and a month later a milk scheme was introduced. Within the first few months of the scheme running the number of Key Stage 2 children choosing to have milk had risen to just over 50%.

The uptake of milk in school is helped by the fact that the children have access to cold milk. This is because the local dairy provided the school with a free refrigerator.

Four years on the school is still running a very successful break time provision, where all children can access a carton of milk and a piece of fruit in the morning. A letter is sent to parents each half term to remind them of the availability of milk for their children at school.

Head teacher Peter Stonier says: "As a school we are very supportive of healthy eating. Our aim is to offer every child a carton of milk and a piece of fruit every day."