Unison: National comprehensive meals service needed

Friday, 19, May 2006 12:00

Public service union Unison has welcomed the government's plans to tackle unhealthy school meals, but said a "national comprehensive schools meal service" is the answer.

Head of education services Christina McAnea said: "A healthier diet will increase [pupils'] ability to concentrate and learn and will ensure the long-term health of the population."

However, she pointed out school dinner costs vary "dramatically" between councils, calling for an adequately funded national comprehensive school meals service, with staff on fair pay and conditions.

It should also be ensured that pupils who have free school dinners were not treated in a way that they got embarrassed about it, she said.

She concluded: “Government support for healthier school meals is welcome, but it will take more than just money to turn this around. We need to have a properly planned workforce that has access to training and follows a minimum set of national standards.”