School lunches back in favour with pupils

YOUNGSTERS are tucking into healthy school lunches in increasing numbers across the borough and at rates above the national average.

In Oldham’s primary and special schools, the take-up of school meals has increased by 1.8 per cent in the past year to 51.9 per cent — more than ten per cent above the national average of 41.4 per cent.

In secondary schools, the borough’s meal take-up rates have also jumped from well below to above the national average.

The council does not deliver meals for secondary schools, which put their own arrangements in place – either managing them in-house or buying in through a private contractor.

In 2009-10, meal take-up at secondary schools was significantly improved — up from 27 per cent in 2008-9 to 39 per cent in 2009-10.

Councillor Jack Hulme, cabinet member for children and families, said: “These are encouraging figures that reflect a lot of hard work by our catering team.

“It is especially pleasing to see that more than half our primary and special school pupils are now eating school meals.

“To have also jumped above the national average in secondary schools within a year — and at a faster rate of increase than is happening nationally — is excellent.

“Our staff are constantly talking with children and parents about school meal provision and have taken significant steps towards improved standards in sustainability, nutrition and animal welfare.

“These include switching to cage-free eggs, for example, and only using fish in line with the Marine Stewardship Council to ensure the sustainability of fish stock.

“At a time when families are having to tighten their budgets, it is increasingly important that we offer value for money and healthy meals.

“We continue to encourage healthier eating and lifestyles in schools to combat obesity and — at an average price of £1.75 — our school meals compare very favourably in terms of good value.”