Grab 5! Approach

Grab 5! focuses on pupils in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (7 to 11 year olds). Schools in Lambeth, Leeds, and Plymouth piloted the scheme.

All participating schools received:

• A Grab 5! pack consisting of the Action Pack (giving ideas and practical support on implementing a range of activities such as breakfast clubs, fruit tuck shops, playground markets, growing, cooking and tasting schemes), the Curriculum Pack (linked to the national curriculum that promotes the fruit and vegetables theme) and A Model School Food Policy.
• a range of materials and equipment including posters, banners, blenders
• prizes to reward children's achievements
• support and advice from the Grab 5! team

The evaluation of their experiences contributed to the development of the national Grab 5! programme.

Activities in these schools started with the new school term in September 2001.

The Grab 5! approach is…

Locally supported
In any area that is implementing Grab 5! it is recommended that a steering group is established made up of public, private and voluntary organisations able and willing to offer support to schools.

Flexible
Grab 5! is designed to be flexible and easy to implement, with activities supporting and integrating into existing curriculum work.

Tailored
With support from the Grab 5! team at local level, each school develops it's own action plan. There is no "blueprint" that everyone has to stick to.

Participatory
Schools are encouraged to involve a range of people in planning and implementation, including teachers, caterers, support staff, pupils, parents and governors.

Practical
Grab 5! encourages a range of activities that allow children to buy, taste, feel, cook and grow fruit and vegetables. Examples of activities schools are trying as part of their Grab 5! project include:

• growing and cooking schemes
• breakfast clubs
• fruit tuck shops
• training days for catering staff
• composting schemes
• classroom tastathons
• inviting sports celebrities to classes to promote Grab 5!
• playground markets & fruit smoothie stalls

Whole School in Approach
The whole school approach aims to ensure that all aspects of school life - the curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and the social and physical environment - are mutually reinforced.