17 March 2006
Parents have a poor opinion of the quality of school meals, according to a survey from the education inspectorate.
Although more than half of the parents surveyed by Ofsted said the quality of their own children's school meals were good, this figure dropped to 19% when the same parents were asked for their opinion of school meals nationally.
When the views of parents whose children do not eat school meals were taken into account, only one third of parents thought the quality of food provided in their child's school was good, dropping to 13% when asked for their view of the national picture.
A separate Ofsted report, published on March 14, that examined the quality of school meals found that standards were improving in a minority of schools, with primaries making faster progress than secondaries.
Secondary schools were criticised for continuing to house vending machines and tuck shops that sell salty and sugary snacks.
Chief inspector of schools Maurice Smith said: 'Secondary schools need to improve pupils' appreciation of healthy food and to better advise them on making the right choices at lunchtimes. Future legislation and government money will assist them in their efforts.
'It is important that parents reinforce the efforts made by teachers and lunchtime staff and ensure their children eat healthily.'
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has promised to double spending on school meals to £2bn in an attempt to improve children's diets. From September all schools will have to abide by tough standards and remove confectionery and fizzy drinks machines from their premises.
PFmar2006
