School Policy

A policy is a way of ensuring ongoing commitment and support. Your school needs to develop a formal Crunch&Sip® policy. The process of developing the policy is as important as the program itself. All sectors of the school community need to be consulted and given an opportunity to comment. You are more likely to be successful if everyone involved has participated in the policy development and agree and understand its intent.

Steps in Developing a School Policy

Step 1: Form a committee
The committee may include school representatives such as: principal, teachers, students, parents, school health nurse, health/physical education coordinator and school canteen representative. Committees of 6 to 10 people work best - enough people to express different views and do the work.

Step 2: Talk to people
Some people are really keen to get involved in Crunch&Sip® but others may need a bit more convincing. If this is the case, you may need to run some information sessions and be prepared to provide detailed information to all members of the School community to educate them on the benefits.

Step 3: Write a draft document
On behalf of the school community, it is the committee's role to:

  • Make recommendations about the content of the Crunch&Sip® school policy
  • Develop and circulate a draft
  • Prepare the final version of the document
  • Check progress in implementing the policy

The school policy should contain clear goals, outline how Crunch&Sip® will be implemented (including lists of permitted food and drink) and how the school will check progress.

Step 4: Sign off
Once the document has been written, circulated and reviewed, the policy can be signed off. Each school will have a different process. Some schools require the parent associations or committees and the principal to sign off. Check your school's approach.

To assist you

Crunch&Sip® provides a great opportunity to promote healthy eating and water drinking habits in the classroom. It is recommended that all classes in the school participate. Teachers and students prepare in the classroom for Crunch&Sip®.