scholarly journals A qualitative study exploring pupil and school staff perceptions of school meal provision in England

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (9) ◽  
pp. 1504-1514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhiannon E. Day ◽  
Pinki Sahota ◽  
Meaghan S. Christian ◽  
Kim Cocks
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
School Meals ◽  
Staff Perceptions ◽  
Head Teachers ◽  
School Meal ◽  
Dining Room ◽  
June July ◽  
Perceptions Of School

AbstractDespite recent attempts to improve the quality of school meals in England through the introduction of school meal standards, uptake remains low. Since the introduction of the universal infant free school meal (UIFSM) scheme in September 2014 all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in English state-funded primary schools are eligible to receive a free lunch. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of pupils, catering managers and head teachers concerning school meal provision in eight primary schools in North England and provides a unique insight into each school’s preparation for implementation of UIFSM. A total of thirty-two focus groups were conducted with sixty-four pupils aged 7–8 years (Year 3) and sixty-four pupils aged 9–10 years (Year 5) in June–July 2014, to explore perceptions of school meals. Interviews were carried out with six catering managers and five head teachers concerning catering and the impending implementation of UIFSM. Increasing acceptance of school meals could lead to improved uptake. Pupils desired increased choice and menu variety, including greater variety of vegetables and fruit. Caterers can influence the quantity and types of foods offered to pupils, and there are opportunities for them to promote healthy eating behaviours in the dining room. The important roles of school meal providers, caterers, pupils and parents need to be recognised to improve delivery and acceptability of school meals and ultimately school meal uptake. There were practical challenges to implementation of UIFSM, with some concerns expressed over its feasibility. Head teachers were mainly positive about the potential beneficial impacts of the scheme.

scholarly journals Associations between deprivation, attitudes towards eating breakfast and breakfast eating behaviours in 9–11-year-olds

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 582-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham F Moore ◽  
Katy Tapper ◽  
Simon Murphy ◽  
Rebecca Lynch ◽  
Larry Raisanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Level ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breakfast Skipping ◽  
Breakfast Eating ◽  
Eating Breakfast ◽  
Causal Nature

AbstractObjectivesTo examine school-level relationships between deprivation and breakfast eating behaviours (breakfast skipping and the healthfulness of foods consumed) in 9–11-year-old schoolchildren and to examine whether attitudes towards eating breakfast mediated these relationships.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingOne hundred and eleven primary schools in Wales.SubjectsYear 5 and 6 pupils within the 111 primary schools. Measures were completed by 4314 children. Analysis was conducted at the group (school) level, with each school representing one group.ResultsDeprivation was positively associated with breakfast skipping and consumption of ‘unhealthy’ items (i.e. sweet snacks, crisps) for breakfast. A significant negative association was found between deprivation and consumption of ‘healthy’ items (i.e. fruit, bread, cereal, milk). Deprivation was significantly inversely associated with attitudes towards eating breakfast. The relationships between deprivation and (1) breakfast skipping and (2) consumption of ‘healthy’ items for breakfast were mediated by attitudes towards eating breakfast. The hypothesis that attitudes mediated the relationship between deprivation and consumption of ‘unhealthy’ breakfast items was unsupported.ConclusionsDeprivation is associated with adverse breakfast eating behaviours amongst children aged 9–11 years, in terms of breakfast skipping and the quality of breakfasts consumed. Socio-economic differences in attitudes towards eating breakfast are apparent amongst this age group, and appear to relate to social gradients in breakfast eating behaviours. Research is needed to examine the causal nature of these trends and to elucidate factors underlying the development of socio-economic differences in eating-related cognitions.

Improving the nutritional value of the food served and the dining experience in a primary school

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
School Meals ◽  
School Meal ◽  
National Debate

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that it is possible to make major changes in a primary school with limited investment. I wish to present the methods used in this process which enabled me to examine the existing catering, to identify, investigate and research the problems, to explore the literature available and to synthesise my results with authors in the area of my research. I wish to share my findings so that others may also benefit. The paper will contain a rigorous review of the literature on the Action Research methodology, the historical context of the school meal and the current national debate on the quality of school meals.

scholarly journals A repeated cross-sectional survey assessing changes in diet and nutrient quality of English primary school children’s packed lunches between 2006 and 2016

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e029688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Elizabeth Louise Evans ◽  
Kathryn Elizabeth Melia ◽  
Holly L Rippin ◽  
Neil Hancock ◽  
Janet Cade
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrient Quality ◽  
School Meal ◽  
Sugary Drinks ◽  
Sweet Foods

ObjectiveMandatory school meal standards were introduced in 2006 in England; however, no legislation exists for packed lunches. This study analyses provision of foods and nutrients in packed lunches in 2016 to highlight differences in diet and nutrient quality since 2006.DesignTwo cross-sectional surveys of children’s packed lunches were conducted in 2006 and 2016. Data were analysed using multilevel regression models taking into account the clustering of children within primary schools.SettingData were collected from 1148 children who attended 76 schools across England in 2006 and from 323 children attending 18 schools across England in 2016.ParticipantsChildren were included if they regularly ate a packed lunch prepared at home (approximately half of children take a packed lunch to school) and were aged 8–9 years (in year 4), for both surveys.Outcome measuresData collected in both years included provision of weight and type of food, nutrients and proportion of lunches meeting individual and combined school meal standards.ResultsFrequency of provision and portion size of some food types changed substantially between surveys. Frequency of provision of confectionery in lunches reduced by 9.9% (95% CI −20.0 to 0.2%), sweetened drinks reduced by 14.4% (95% CI −24.8 to −4.0%), and cakes and biscuits not containing chocolate increased by 9.6% (95% CI 3.0 to 16.3%). Vegetable provision in lunches remained low. Substantial changes were seen in the percentage of lunches meeting some nutrient standards: non-milk extrinsic sugars (19%, 95% CI 10 to 29%), vitamin A (−8%, 95% CI −12 to −4%), vitamin C (−35%, 95% CI −42 to −28%) and zinc (−8%, 95% CI −14 to −1%).ConclusionsPacked lunches remain low quality with few meeting standards set for school meals. Provision of sugars has reduced due to reductions in provision and portion size of sugary drinks and packaged sweet foods; however, provision of some nutrients has worsened.

scholarly journals Factors influencing take-up of free school meals in primary- and secondary-school children in England

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1271-1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinki Sahota ◽  
Jenny Woodward ◽  
Rosemary Molinari ◽  
Jo Pike
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Administrators ◽  
Environmental Aspects ◽  
School Meals ◽  
Head Teachers ◽  
Free School ◽  
The Social ◽  
Two Phases

AbstractObjectiveThe present study sought to explore the factors that influence registration for free school meals and the subsequent take-up following registration in England.DesignThe research design consisted of two phases, a qualitative research phase followed by an intervention phase. Findings are presented from the qualitative research phase, which comprised interviews with head teachers, school administrators, parents and focus groups with pupils.SettingThe study took place in four primary schools and four secondary schools in Leeds, UK.SubjectsParticipants included head teachers, school administrators, parents and pupils.ResultsFindings suggested that parents felt the registration process to be relatively straightforward although many secondary schools were not proactive in promoting free school meals. Quality and choice of food were regarded by both pupils and parents as significant in determining school meal choices, with stigma being less of an issue than originally anticipated.ConclusionsSchools should develop proactive approaches to promoting free school meals and attention should be given not only to the quality and availability of food, but also to the social, cultural and environmental aspects of dining. Processes to maintain pupils’ anonymity should be considered to allay parents’ fear of stigma.

scholarly journals The Nutritional Surveillance at school: experiences from ATS Val Padana (Italy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Troiano ◽  
M Chiesa ◽  
M L Cirrincione ◽  
J Merisio ◽  
F Mondini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Diet Therapy ◽  
Future Health ◽  
School Meal ◽  
School Year ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Special Diets ◽  
Teachers And Parents

Abstract Background Correct habits acquired in childhood positively affect the future health of the adult person. Therefore the school meal isn't as a simple satisfaction of nutritional needs, but also an important moment of health promotion, which involves teachers and parents. Objectives In ATS Val Padana the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Unit evaluates school menu at the beginning of each year (including special diets for specific diseases that require diet therapy). During the school year, trained personnel carries out inspections in schools, according to annual planning. During the inspection are evaluated: - Presence/respect of the validated school menu Number of mealsPeople preparing and administering mealsFood preparation and storageLiking by childrenManagement of special dietsManagement of the meal as an educational moment Results 132 inspections were performed: 70 in 2018 and 62 in 2019. 23 (17.42%) were conducted in nursery schools, 62 (46.96%) in kindergartens, 44 (33.33%) in primary schools, 3 (2.27%) in middle schools. 47 (35.60%) were privately managed; 61 (46.21%) were also equipped with a kitchen for preparing meals. 41 inspections (31.06%) showed slight criticalities; 9 (6.81%) serious problems (poor hygiene, lack of control over special diets - which required further inspections). A statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.02) between 2018 and 2019, with a clear decrease in criticality in 2019. No difference in the results of the checks was observed in relation to the type of school, management, and to the presence or not of a kitchen (all p > 0.05). Conclusions The effectiveness of the control system is represented by the relationship between non-conformities detected during the checks and the number of performed checks. In 2019, despite the controls have increased compared to the previous year, the incidence of non-conformities has decreased. This indicates that control activities is positive to improve the quality of the school meal. Key messages The school meal is a fundamental educational moment for children. Control activities have positive impact on the quality of the school meal.

scholarly journals A comparison of British school meals and packed lunches from 1990 to 2007: meta-analysis by lunch type

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. L. Evans ◽  
Christine L. Cleghorn ◽  
Darren C. Greenwood ◽  
Janet E. Cade
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
School Meals ◽  
School Meal ◽  
Sugar Intake

Primary school children in the UK have the choice of a school meal provided by the school or a packed lunch provided from home. Currently, more than half of primary school children have a packed lunch. New food-based standards for school meals were introduced in English primary schools in 2006, followed by nutrient-based standards in 2008. No formal comparisons of primary school lunches by lunch type have been undertaken to date. The present review identified seven studies from 1990 to 2007 measuring lunchtime nutrient intake in children aged 5–11 years having a school meal and children having a packed lunch. Pooled estimates for each nutrient were as follows: energy intake was 543 (95 % CI 233, 854) kJ higher in packed lunches; total sugar intake was 14·0 (95 % CI 10·3, 17·7) g higher in packed lunches; non-milk extrinsic sugar intake was 11·7 (95 % CI 7·3, 16·2) g higher in packed lunches; saturated fat intake was 4·7 (95 % CI 2·4, 7·1) g higher in packed lunches and Na intake was 357 (95 % CI 174, 539) mg higher in packed lunches. Differences between school meals and packed lunches were larger for all nutrients after the introduction of food-based standards compared with the period of no standards. However, differences between before and after standards did not reach statistical significance. The nutritional quality of packed lunches is poor compared with school meals. The introduction of food-based standards for school meals in 2006 has moderately improved the nutrient content of school meals, slightly widening the nutritional gap between school meals and packed lunches.

scholarly journals Food and drink consumption at school lunchtime: the impact of lunch type and contribution to overall intake in British 9–10-year-old children

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1132-1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flo Harrison ◽  
Amy Jennings ◽  
Andy Jones ◽  
Ailsa Welch ◽  
Esther van Sluijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
School Meals ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Meal ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the differences in dietary intakes of children consuming school meals and packed lunches, the contribution of lunchtime intake to overall dietary intake, and how lunchtime intake relates to current food-based recommendations for school meals.DesignCross-sectional analysis of overall intake of macronutrients and food choice from 4 d food diaries and school lunchtime intake from the two diary days completed while at school.SettingNorfolk, UK.SubjectsOne thousand six hundred and twenty-six children (aged 9–10 years) attending ninety Norfolk primary schools.ResultsAt school, lunchtime school meal eaters consumed more vegetables, sweet snacks, chips, starchy foods and milk, and less squash/cordial, fruit, bread, confectionery and savoury snacks than packed lunch eaters. These differences were also reflected in the overall diet. On average school meal eaters met the School Food Trust (SFT) food-based standards, while food choices among packed lunch eaters were less healthy. The contribution of food consumed at school lunchtime to overall diet varied by food and lunch type, ranging from 0·8 % (milk intake in packed lunches) to 74·4 % (savoury snack intake in packed lunches).ConclusionsThere were significant differences in the foods consumed by school meal and packed lunch eaters, with food choices among school meal eaters generally in line with SFT standards. The food choices made at school lunchtime make a significant contribution to overall diet.

What Do Parents Think About School Meals? An Exploratory Study of Rural Middle School Parents’ Perceptions

2020 ◽  
pp. 105984052092471
Author(s):  
Cristian L. Meier ◽  
Patrick Brady ◽  
Natoshia Askelson ◽  
Grace Ryan ◽  
Patti Delger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
School Meals ◽  
Childhood Nutrition ◽  
School Meal ◽  
School Lunch Programs ◽  
Children’S Participation ◽  
Rural State ◽  
Meal Programs ◽  
Children's Participation ◽  
Perceptions Of School

Interventions targeting school meals have been used to combat obesity in rural youth. Parents play a powerful role in childhood nutrition; however, we know little about parents’ perceptions of school meal programs. This study aimed to understand parents’ perceptions of school meal programs. Surveys were administered to middle school parents ( n = 576) at six schools in a rural state. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to measure parents’ overall perceptions of the school meals program and to identify differences in perceptions by their children’s participation in the Free and Reduced Price School Meals (F&RM) program. Parents had largely negative views of school meals but agreed that they met students’ needs. Results of the multivariate analysis revealed differences in perceptions by participation in F&RM including the relative importance of meal components. Including parents in meal-related experiences and decision making could improve their perceptions and increase children’s participation in school lunch programs.

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