Reception year lunch, few concerns

[Helloall1]

Hi

My DS has just started reception, he seems to have settled well and enjoys it. However he states they have dry pasta for lunch each day (as well as a main and veg). I thought he may be mixing dry pasta up with rice etc...but no. I checked with teachers and they are given dry pasta on its own, no sauce every day.
I wouldn't eat that, who would?

They state are looking into changing it. I feel a little duped as they said they offer at least two options and do healthy eating etc. I realise we can swap to packed lunch but we want him to have a hot lunch.

Also, with it being such a big class we worry he is getting lost in the crowd. He was hit by another child yesterday, no one noticed the red lump on his face until I picked him up and asked how it happened.

I guess what I'm asking is, what hot meals are your reception child being offered and do you agree dry pasta every day is unreasonable? I know they have to cater for large numbers, but still.

Regretting not choosing a smaller school.

Thank you x

[Helloall1]

My thoughts exactly! They prepare and cook other options for older children, so seems strange.

He still eats it, as says he is really hungry. He is ravenous when gets home.

Thank you for discussing everyone, appreciate your thoughts x

[BondJayneBond]

Very bizarre. I don't think DS1 gets to choose the carb served with the school dinner, but it varies depending on the main course and is in line with what you'd expect for the main course offered e.g. if the main is a roast dinner, they get potatoes, if it's curry they get rice, if it's pasta bolognese they get pasta (obviously).

They usually arrange things so the vegetarian / non-vegetarian options have the same carb accompaniments.

[HSMMaCM]

It's because the government are pretending they're paying for it and they're really not. The money the school receives is not enough to feed the children properly. This is why the government have just panicked about being able to carry it on.

[RueDeWakening]

DS1 would be delighted with plain pasta. Any pasta at school served to infants comes ready mixed with whatever sauce they're having. Only he hates sauce, even ketchup, so never eats any of it.

School refuse to serve it separately, even though he's known to have sensory issues which are worst with food

[Helloall1]

I think it's due to the 'free' dinner thing too, I understand they need to watch their costings, but I'm sure some slight variation won't make much difference.

It seems a shame they can't offer plain pasta to those who don't like sauce.

Obviously they can't please everyone but I did expect at least some sort of choice or option.

Apart from foods, are your children who have just started reception getting on OK? Have you met other parents?

[DaimYou]

UIFSM is really well funded. We're turning a substantial profit and providing good home cooked meals that the staff are happy to pay for.

Something has gone very wrong with the management of it in school if they can't manage to provide decent meals on it.

Plain pasta is probably because experience tells infant kids eat that better than they eat rice, potatoes or pasta with sauce

[LadyPenelope68]

It's not DRY pasta, it's plain pasta - dry pasta is uncooked and I'm sure your little darling is not being served that. Lots of families eat plain pasta as the carbohydrate for their meal, just as they would potatoes or rice, nothing unusual there. It's always the most popular choice at the school I teach at.

[SuburbanRhonda]

I asked whether the OP meant plain pasta rather than dry pasta on page one, penelope.

But I agree with her that plain pasta as a carbohydrate is very unusual. I've never heard of it being served like rice or potatoes.

[Pico2]

Even rice is normally served with a sauce e.g. a curry.

[mrz]

Plain pasta is never an option as a side dish for our pupils. We told the catering company what our pupils eat and they are happy to provide.

[MidniteScribbler]

But he's not getting just plain pasta is he? He's had quiche, brocolli AND pasta. Presumably the pasta is just one part of the meal. If the main and veg is fine, then I wouldn't get worried about a bit of plain pasta added.

[Helloall1]

Hooooorah. He had mash today, looks like they have taken my concerns on board.

Worth saying something

[Passthecake30]

Mine get offered potatoes OR dry tricolore pasta with their meat and veg/pizza/fish fingers/chicken pie, they are happy with that as sometimes the potatoes have "bits" (herbs) on them