Table 6 Themes identified from parent responses combined across the UK nations
What works well? | What does not work well? | What would an ideal food system look like? |
|---|---|---|
● Food offered is healthy/balanced with variety of hot/cold child-friendly options ● Good options for those with additional dietary requirements ● Parents like access to menus and pre-order school lunches ● Straightforward, online pre-payment systems ● Some awareness of their child’s school healthy eating policy or that pupils receive healthy eating education as part of curriculum ● Free school meals for the younger children | ● Pupils given too many unhealthy ‘junk’ food choices ● Lack of healthy options available ● Lunch choices can be restrictive and lacking in special dietary options/alternative options ● Pupils complain of not liking/enjoying food provided and report small portions ● Inflexible pre-ordering system ● Sometimes pre-ordered choice is not available on the day. ● Menus do not provide enough information including allergen and nutritional information and often repetitive ● Pupils experience long queues and not enough time to eat ● Lack of school healthy eating policy ● Too much reliance on single-use plastic ● Cost of school lunches and breakfast clubs | ● School food would focus on a wide range of healthy, fresh, home-cooked options prepared in school kitchens. ● School caterers would use quality, sustainable/ethical ingredients with schools growing own fruit and vegetables ● School lunch pre-ordering system would be a cashless payment App ● Parent/child would have the option to mix and match food items instead of being restricted to fixed menus ● A whole school approach to healthy eating, with a focus on pupil involvement and consultation ● School lunches free for all or provided for a manageable cost to families ● School lunches would cater for all dietary requirements whilst serving age-appropriate portions. ● School staff would be trained in healthy eating/cultural diversity ● The dining hall would have a calm, social atmosphere with pupils having adequate time to eat without feeling rushed |