Growing children need a good balance of nutrients to support their development, concentration and energy levels. Our menus bring together a variety of foods, including:

Protein, from meat, fish, eggs, beans and pulses, to support growth and the development and repair of body tissue.

Carbohydrates, from potatoes, rice, pasta and bread, to provide energy for busy school days.

Fruit and vegetables, offering fibre, vitamins and minerals to support a healthy diet.

Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, to help build and maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Variety is important too. Different ingredients, flavours and textures help children develop their tastes and become more confident trying new foods. Menus are designed with age-appropriate needs and portions in mind, while recognising that every child's appetite is different.

We believe children should have a voice in what appears on the menu. Our Food Council brings together representatives from across the year groups to share feedback on the dishes they enjoy, those they would rather see less often and the foods they would love to try.

Where possible, and within the bounds of a balanced and nutritious menu, we do our best to make those suggestions happen. That might mean a much-loved all-day breakfast one day and tacos the next. There is also room for familiar favourites, including Barry the Butcher's much-loved sausages.

There is a rhythm to the week, too. Wednesdays bring the tradition of a proper roast dinner, while Fridays offer something a little more relaxed and straightforward as the week draws to a close.

Lunchtime takes place across two dining settings, each thoughtfully arranged to suit the ages and stages of our children.

For our younger children, lunchtime is a more supported experience, with food brought to the table and familiar routines helping them feel settled and comfortable. As children grow, so does their independence. Our older pupils take a more active role in the serving process, learning to make choices, manage their portions and take responsibility for their place at the table.

These serving rituals are an important part of the Croft experience. From coming together and getting settled to serving food, sharing conversation and clearing away, children learn to consider others, practice good table manners and develop confidence in everyday situations.

The dining table is a place where friendships grow and everyday skills take shape. Children learn to share, take turns, listen to one another and enjoy the company of those around them.

It is all part of a Croft education: nourishing growing bodies, encouraging healthy habits and helping children develop the confidence and consideration to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.