Jam sandwiches at wraparound care

I totally agree if a child is attending once or twice a week.

If it’s every day though, that is a concern. That’s why there are strict guidelines with school lunches. I mean, if you were using a childminder I don’t think that would go down well but it is the same; it’s still childcare.

And if a child is ‘knackered’ jam and chocolate aren’t the best ways of addressing this from a nutritional point of view. I’m not casting judgement there; my own DS has jam, marmalade (he likes Paddington) chocolate and copious amounts of ice creams in the summer, but it’s just a fact that for energy and best development there are better choices.

I have never liked the attitude that whatever will do for kids.

I actually completely agree with you. I have primary age children myself and I allow sweet treats but I firmly believe the basis of their diet, their 3 meals, should be nutritious. Once a week wouldn't bother me but 4x a week would, especially if they then didn't eat a dinner that actually contained what their bodies need to grow.

You're right though, the bar is low. I work in a primary school and most of the lunchboxes are 100% processed without any fruit or vegetable. Chocolate spread and jam sandwiches are the norm. We have some tooth decay in every class.

I had a similar battle with our breakfast club which offers jam and chocolate spread as condiments for the toast and instead of normal porridge it's the one with golden syrup already added. Also whenever it's someone's birthday they have a special breakfast of pancakes and whipped cream and chocolate milk. Except it's a big breakfast club and it's someone's birthday most weeks! I pulled my children in the end and changed my working hours as I just won't have their day starting on that much sugar.

I really couldn’t imagine caring that much about a teaspoon of jam on a piece of bread to have emailed 3 times. She’s happy to go to ASC and isn’t coming out hungry. Even with the cake it really isn’t a big deal. And I’d much rather mine eat jam than cheap processed ham. Just keep her breakfast sugar free, don’t give her any sweet stuff after dinner and over the course of the day it works out pretty balanced.

My child's ASC provides a range of fruit and veg options, crackers, cheese slices, soreen - and bowls of porridge if they're staying later than 5.30. I think porridge is quite a good and simple idea, but I can see why jam is on offer. Can be made in advance, doesn't need to be kept cold, appropriate for vegans etc.

I would be hugely disappointed with jam sandwiches- it's crap. Sugar on processed bread. It's not something I'd want my children eating outside of parties. But there's a lot of people seemingly happy with 90s style kids food.

I honestly had similar concerns about my DDs breakfast and after school club offerings when she started in reception. Then I realised that school is very knackering for them, and she’s having to do a long day, and that a bit of chocolate spread or jam is not the end of the world.

😆

You always get these sorts of responses on these threads, like the wraparound is doing you a massive favour by having your child rather than it being a transactional arrangement!

I don’t think there’s any point complaining though. But I wouldn’t be massively impressed either.

Why would you encourage a lie ahou4 something as serious as food allergies.
OP just needs to provide tea or stop being so precious about a range of sandwiches, of which commission just one option.

They do provide other things but the OP child chooses jam.

Cucumber requires preparation, I imagine they have a lot of children who have very narrow tastes so need to give them something they’ll actually eat.

Their job is to provide afterschool care, it’s not bloody Leon.

Funny I just commented about arfid too !

Please don't make a big fuss in front of your DD about it & why are you talking to her about balanced diet at 4?

Just pack your own snack for her if you're that bothered.

My DD comes home from school, saying she's only eating "healthy food" from now on 😢 which sounds great doesn't it? But she does eat healthy food - fruit, veg & some treats - maybe homemade cake, maybe a Freddo.

I find it so frustrating, my DD worrying at age 7 about her food 😑

Ok here is another thought. I used to be like you, then I had a child with autism and arfid. Who only ate jam sandwiches but now will only eat cheese. Its a daily battle feeding her anything at all. You need to relax here. We cant really keep stressing over things like that.

Jam sandwiches and cake were always traditional tea, not pc these days, but I wouldn't stress too much about it.

Pick your own child up after school & feed her if you aren’t happy with the options the school provide.

“My very affordable, convenient afterschool club is not meeting my exact preferences. How many times should I complain?”

I can't quite believe the replies you're getting here OP, I totally agree with you. A jam sandwich is nutritionally poor, terrible for teeth, and setting children up to expect sweet foods. Why can't they provide a pizza wrap with tomato sauce and cheese, a cheese or cucumber sandwich, soup and a roll, hummus? Or just fresh fruit which at least contains fibre rather than loads of added sugar. These are all low cost options - I do sometimes feel that cost is used as an excuse for providing rubbish food.

A balanced diet does include carbohydrates and fruit? That’s basically what a jam sandwich is.

You will end up causing issues with food if you demonise a very normal snack and/or treat.

Yanbu. My kid would live on jam sandwiches given the choice

but, is a ham sandwich particularly nutritious? Probably not

If you see what any children with ARFID or restrictive sensory needs eats you'll be surprised that they are actually healthy and functioning well! It's a jam sandwich. If it's too imperfect for your child then send them in with a bento box. Or even better - a thermos with their warm tea in it!

Having worked in and run asc, realistically it's probably no more than one slice of bread with a dollop of jam. Saying she's full from all the jam makes it sound like you think she's sat there with the jar and a spoon!

https://loumessugo.com/what-is-gouter-it-s-tea-time-kids/

Sacre bleu!!!!

I also really want to hear from the school office workers when they receive these emails.

Are you not aware of the cutbacks that the childcare sector has had to make? If you want more than jam then you'll have to pay more.

This country is on its knees because of the persistent fucking whinging. State schools don’t have time for this bullshit and neither do NHS hospitals - either accept what’s served up as part of your extremely reasonable taxes, or stick your hand in your pocket. Bet I know which it will be…