AN EAST Durham school has unveiled new kitchen facilities aimed at providing pupils with a top grade dining experience – while helping to cater for free meals.

Wheatley Hill Community Primary School has installed new ovens in a re-sited kitchen in a scheme costing more than £172,000.

Durham County Council contributed about £112,000 toward the scheme, while the remaining £60,000 came from school funds.

Head teacher Rebecca Pavey said: “We are absolutely thrilled. It has been a really fantastic thing the county have done, because we really were struggling before.”

Mrs Pavey said: “When I came to the school in 2012, one of things I felt was that the school dining experience clearly could be a lot better .

“We had a kitchen not fit for purpose, but at that point there was no money to make it better.

“What we did do was change all the tables and take away horrible trays that make children look like prisoners and have them use proper cutlery.

“We put older children in charge as as table monitors and encouraged children to converse, while also increasing their awareness of table manners.”

She added: “When the Department of Education announced there was money for schools in light of the free school meals pilot (for children from reception to Year Two) I got straight on the local authority about us having money for a kitchen. We were successful."

Mr Pavey said the aim was to have all children eventually take up the offer of school meals – whether it be free or paid for. The kitchen is operated by catering specialists Taylor Shaw.