'When kids lack the fuel to learn, their health and mind suffers'

The foundations for lifelong healthy living are laid at school, a passionate head teacher says.

Learning about positive relationships with food is crucial in an era where children are tempted at every turn, with obesity a clear and ever-present danger.

It may seem an uphill battle but at Rimrose Hope Church of England Primary school in Liverpool, the results are encouraging.

Head Lawrence Crilly said: “We prefer to nudge children in the right direction by offering opportunities to try things they like, while emphasising how one choice is better for them than another.

“Children are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases later.”

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Youngsters at the school, which has 349 pupils aged between two and 11, are among up to 140,000 in primary and secondary establishments eating at least one piece of fresh fruit or veg a day, thanks to the Fruit & Veg for Schools.

The retail giant’s £4million scheme identified 400 schools in some of the most deprived areas, with the aim of giving kids access to fresh and nutritious produce. It was launched last month by celebrity chef Poppy O’Toole in partnership with the .

The funding is proportionate to the number of pupils a school has, ranging from £4,000 to £21,000 annually. Each is given a prepaid card allowing them to visit their nearest Tesco store to load up with fruit and veg to prepare in and outside of the classroom.

Rimrose Hope has 173 pupils – or 55.8% of its intake – eligible for free school meals. Mr Crilly said: “I’ve seen the impact poor nutrition can have. It shows in their behaviour and focus. Good nutrition fuels the brain, and when students are lacking that fuel, it’s clear in how they perform academically and socially.”

Rimrose Hope has an orchard, its own kitchen, and it offers fruit, veg and salad at every mealtime. Its after-school club, Good Grub, also teaches kids how to cook healthy food at home.

The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools scheme could prove decisive for the school’s goals.

Mr Crilly added: “I’ve long believed families will make better choices if they are available to them. This project will offer the opportunity for the theory to be tested. I’m genuinely ecstatic.”