Continually making improvements for our pupils at lunchtime

Following our pupil survey, a group of 32 Year 6, 7 and 8 pupils met with Thomas Franks’ representative, Joby Dawson, Operations Manager and Mrs Patrica Wild, our Thomas Franks local School Catering Manager.

The children’s responses highlighted two main areas for discussion: healthy eating, including snacks for breaktimes, and portion sizes.

Joby and Mrs Wild shared some amazing facts about the food regulations and checks that our school menus go through, and we are delighted to share that, across the group, our menus are exemplary and consistently pass the nutritional check.

As a result of the meeting, we have agreed that pupils will be allowed to have a second helping of the hot main meal and the main pudding option is sufficient. After Easter, yoghurt, an additional pudding offering, will be increased.

The children unanimously agreed that they would like to improve what they eat at breaktimes and reduce crisps and sugary snacks being allowed in school. With some excellent suggestions, we are working to consider a trial, during our Science Week and Mental Health Week next term. Watch this space!

Joby, Mrs Wild and the staff were very impressed with the questions, statements and conversation that the children brought to the hour-long session and, as one of the only schools that brings all stakeholders together, we have certainly given Thomas Franks some ‘food for thought’ with their other schools!