05 October 2007
Pupils are turning their noses up at new, healthier school meals, according to school inspectors.
In a blow for one of the government's flagship policies, Ofsted found that the number of children eating school meals had fallen in 19 out of 27 schools surveyed. The reasons behind this were complex, the watchdog said, but suggested that lack of consultation with pupils and parents on the meals, poor marketing of new menus and a lack of choice were all factors.
Ofsted is calling on schools to identify and eliminate factors that are discouraging children from eating school meals. Pupils should be more actively involved in the development of menus and dining areas should be attractive and well-organised.
Ofsted chief Christine Gilbert said: 'Schools that had the most impact in encouraging healthy choices were those which gave a priority to this as part of their
day-to-day work. They encourage the involvement of pupils themselves in designing school menus, for example, and work hard to make their families understand the importance of healthy schools.'
Children's minister Kevin Brennan urged councils, schools, teachers and parents to take Ofsted's report very seriously.
'We are urging schools to make the most of our £477m investment in raising nutritional standards and keeping prices down; greater focus on diet and practical cooking skills in class; and targeting an additional £150m at schools with the poorest kitchen and dining provision,' he said.
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