DD being fed spaghetti hoops for breakfast

[Notimpressedhm]

DD is 11 and has gone for her intro/try out in preparation for her starting boarding school in September. She has informed me that she has had spaghetti hoops for breakfast, she has no problem with it but Aibu to think this is not acceptable? I would like to think she was being fed nutritionally the same as she would be at home

[BabyMakesMyEyesGoSleepy]

Neo you can't have cheap hoops and beans,some things are sacred .

[Eyesunderarock]

I'd worry if they don't have a decent varied vegetarian option for every meal. I weighed well under 6 stone when I left at 16.

[Toadinthehole]

You'll be complaining about the cold baths and cheesy towels next.

[curlew]

"Curlew

Why?

What's wrong with spaghetti hoops?"

Nothing- as part of a meal. But I would expect a more nutritious vegetarian option. Beans, for example. If that was all that was on offer, I would be concerned about other vegetarian meals too.

[DumSpiroSpero]

In the grand scheme of things it wouldn't bother me occasionally, however...

My DH has been a head chef/catering manager in private schools (including boarding) for about 14 years and that sounds well below par in comparison to the menus he works with, more from a lack of choice POV than anything.

It may just be that they are going with 'fun' food as it's an informal taster weekend, but I'd be inclined to ask for more info particularly as your DD is vegetarian.

Can PM you a link to DH's current school menu if you like for comparison?

[Lottiedoubtie]

If it's a 'taster' for 11 year olds it'll be kiddie meals all the way.

They mistakenly think the 11 year olds like it and will feel comforted.

There will have been continental and fruit on offer.

In September when they are catering for the full age range/staff it will be more varied, more nutritional and more 'adult' in tone.

What did the last inspection report say about food? Most BS have excellent chefs these days, it's become expected.

[sweetestcup]

I would be very surprised if there wasnt cereal available!

[LottieJenkins]

I went to boarding and we (house of 30 girls) used to get ravioli and spaghetti for breakfast. We also used to get the houseparents cat who used to bring dead things into the breakfast room and then climb on the table and lick the butter! [vom!!!] Those particular days there would be a rush on the flora!

[Notimpressedhm]

Three was cereal but DD just prefers to eat a hot breakfast and I would like to think it was available for her healthily. The menu's for evening meals were mainly pasta based for vegetarians and I am fine with that.

[diddl]

Spaghetti hoops for breakfast??

Surely it should have been farty beans?

[SoupDragon]

IIRC, the main ingredient of spaghetti hoops is tomatoes.

[Notimpressedhm]

I think I will relax about the spaghetti hoops and see how we get on.

[Waffling]

Raise your kid yourself and cook her her breakfasts.

Easy!

[difficultpickle]

Ds's school breakfasts vary from day to day but the range includes, eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, croissants, pain au chocolates, toast, cereal (including porridge), youghurts, fruit. He has breakfast at school every weekday even on days he isn't boarding as he says the breakfasts are better than he gets at home.

I think the food choices available are definitely very healthy but of course it is up to the child to choose healthy options. Ds says he is often the only one in his year choosing salad!

I think the meals are generally very good from what ds says and a good selection. All the meat is sourced locally from a butcher that also supplies the Queen. After school they get home made cakes and biscuits before doing after school activities and chocolate birthday cakes on their birthday.

Is this boarding school in the UK? I didn't realise they stayed open over the summer, ds's doesn't as the boarding houses are used by visiting choirs.

[Eyesunderarock]

'What did the last inspection report say about food? Most BS have excellent chefs these days, it's become expected.'

I'm delighted that my experience is part of the long distance past.
There is no reason why children should be fed sub standard food, and their dietry needs should be met.

[difficultpickle]

I would expect proper food to be offered at a taster day rather than 'fun food'. How on earth are you supposed to judge how it would be every day if it isn't representative?

[CaptainSweatPants]

Waffling - so unhelpful

[imnotmymum]

My kids often have spaghetti hoops on toast for breakfast.

[Waffling]

I'm sorry, yes, I was unhelpful. I guess if you want to opt out of parenting your child the least you can do is assure you can pay for the best quality care.

[Notimpressedhm]

Waffling yes at nearly 10k a term I would like to think I am paying for the best standard of care.

[difficultpickle]

Breakfast choices at ds's school:

Fruit Juice
Assorted Cereals
Croissants With Jam
Grilled Sausage
Bacon
Croque Madame
Boiled Eggs
Spaghetti
Poached Eggs
Poached Eggs
Grilled Kipper
Full English Breakfast
Poached Eggs
Baked Beans
Toast and Preserves
Fresh fruit selection

I assume 'spaghetti' must be spaghetti hoops.

Lunch choices:

Lentil & Tomato Soup
Cream Of Mushroom Soup
Broccoli Soup
Vegetable & Pearl Barley
Chicken And Sweetcorn Soup
Lamb Potato And Mint
Barbecue Chicken
Pizza Slice
Homemade Meatballs
Fish Fingers
Lemon Chicken
Roast Beef
Pie
Herby Diced Potatoes
Sweetcorn
Penne Pasta
Fried Cod & Tartar Sauce
Noodles & Bean sprouts
Roast Potatoes
Green Beans
Grilled Lemon Courgettes
Potato Wedges
Roast Vegetables
Chips
Green Beans
Cauliflower Cheese
Yorkshire Pudding
Broccoli
Lambs Liver & Bacon
Glazed Carrots
Peas
Mixed Vegetables
Sautéed Cabbage
Sweet potato Risotto
Mushroom Filled Pancakes
Potato Wedges With Quorn Chilli
Macaroni Cheese Bake
Pasta Of The Day
Jacket Potato
Lemon Jelly
Rice Pudding & Jam
Steamed Syrup Sponge & Custard
Apple Crumble
Mousse
Citrus Sponge
Fresh Fruit Selection

Dinner choices:

Hot Hog Roast
Beef Stroganoff
Toad In The Hole
Southern Fried Chicken
Pork Rarebit
Club Sandwich
Pork Sliced served in a
Braised Rice
Mashed Potatos
Baked Potato
New Potatoes
Mixed Salad
Hot Roll
Mange Tout
Peas
Caesar Salad
Leeks
Fries
Tandoori Chicken
Cheese toastie
Prawn Cocktail
Apple Charlotte
Chocolate And Orange Sponge
Cup Cakes
Hot Eton Mess
Crepes
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fruit Bowl

Not all these choices are available everyday but that is the menu over the week and there are three menus so you will only have the same choices every three weeks.

[difficultpickle]

I've not bothered to look at the menus before this thread but it explains why ds was rather unimpressed at the lovely breakfast options we had at a smart hotel last weekend. It was a treat for me but from looking at his school menu it was clearly the norm for him!

[Notimpressedhm]

Bisjo yes that does sound considerably better than our chosen school menu.

[imnotmymum]

and at £10000 a term lets hope they plough their money into the education and resources

[SoupDragon]

I'm sorry, yes, I was unhelpful. I guess if you want to opt out of parenting your child the least you can do is assure you can pay for the best quality care.

Your comment wasn't "unhelpful", it was nasty and bitchy.

HTH.