Schoolmeals take-up still not high enough (From The Northern Echo)

Schoolmeals take-up still not high enough

8:12am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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NOT enough children in the region are eating school meals, the Government said yesterday – despite its schools having among the highest take-up rates in England.

Most education authorities in the North-East and North Yorkshire are falling short of targets designed to keep pupils away from the temptations of the chip shop.

The news will revive claims that the campaign by TV chef Jamie Oliver, that forced schools to serve healthier meals, has backfired.

However, Schools Minister Diana Johnson insisted the number of pupils opting for a school meal was on the rise – albeit very slowly.

Yesterday’s figures were the first time the Government has published a comprehensive comparison of the popularity of school meals in different areas of the country.

This summer’s target was for 52.3 per cent of primary pupils to be eating a hot lunchtime meal and 52.7 per cent at secondary level – in each case, a ten per cent rise on three years earlier.

But the statistics show that councils in the North-East (50.8 per cent and 41.4 per cent) and in North Yorkshire (42.6 per cent and 41.2 per cent) fell short.

Most authorities in the region had higher take-ups than the averages across England, but it is inevitable that more families will opt for a school meal in poorer areas, where a higher proportion can claim them free.

Ms Johnson said: “Many schools have provided great examples of how to entice children into the canteen, by refurbishing kitchens, making dining areas more inviting and even starting cooking clubs.

“With this new data we can pinpoint areas where take-up is low and work with authorities to help them get more children eating healthy school lunches.”

The figures come only months before County Durham primary schools pioneer a Government trial, where every pupil will receive a free school meal in a bid to improve their learning.