Agenda item

8.1  The chair opened the item by referring to the recent visits to Surrey Square, Albion and John Donne primary schools and the reports circulated. Cllr Althea Smith requested her name be added to the visit to John Donne School. Members commented that the presentation by Surrey Squares on their service had been very impressive.

8.2  Members discussed resources and the chair commented that the head of Albion had said that she did not consider resources to be of big concern. Colin Gale, Free Healthy School Meals project lead, commented that Albion has a high level of free school meal take up and promoted 100 % take up of school meals.

8.3  A member commented that his school had taken meals in-house and while fresh food is not more expensive there is high staff costs associated with preparation.

8.4  Members commented that there are quite a few children with no recourse to public funding and schools have had to do separate fund raising so children do not go hungry; the universal free school healthy meal programme had provided some assistance.

8.5  Members praised the questionnaire used at John Donne School.

8.6  A member commented that she was still unconvinced about free school meals, and queried whether this programme had led to healthier school meals. The Free Healthy School Meals project lead commented that he is working with governors and school staff to ensure that they are meeting nutritional standards. He explained that all schools needed to meet these, apart from Academies. He went on to explain that he can’t visit all 70 schools and colleges to ensure standards are met, but he is promoting this. He reported that three catering providers have met the Food for Life standards, which means they have the appropriate software.

8.7  The Free Healthy School Meals project lead went on to explain that the programme is seeking to ensure that kitchens have the physical  capacity to provide the increased level of school meals and this often gives the schools more resources; for example one school was  provided with a dishwasher which helped with staff costs. He explained that his role is there to ensure standards are good.

8.8  A member commented that that the programme needs to go a step further and said that a whole school approach is really important; for example a parent bringing the chef recipes for jollof rice can help with involving parents in the school community. Members agreed that the social education of eating together and using a knife and fork is also very important. A member commented that in their school parents and children have two choices; at home or a school meal.

8.9  The Free Healthy School Meals project lead commented that they are seeking to promote the Food for Life awards as these take schools above the most basics standards. He reported that he will be conducting focus groups with parents and children after Easter and will then be able to provide the committee with these findings.

8.10  Members expressed concern about takeaway chicken shops near to schools and the chair reminded members of the recommendations to restrict fast food in the recent review report completed by the committee on childhood obesity and sports provision for secondary and primary age children. Members also noted that the Peckham and Nunhead Area Action Plan is piloting restrictions.

RESOLVED

Invite the Food for Life Partnership to present at the next meeting of the new administrative year.

Visit one more school that uses an outside caterer.