School Meals in County Durham
The county council works with partner organisations to provide good quality, healthy food, well cooked and presented by friendly and efficient staff, at a price which gives customer satisfaction and value for money.
Our own nutritionist ensures that individual school menus are specially designed to ensure they meet and exceed the Government’s nutritional standards. Menus use increasing amounts of fresh, regional produce and where possible, quality assured meat and sustainable fish.
Children staying for lunch will benefit from eating with others while relaxing with their friends. They will develop the confidence to make appropriate menu choices and tastes for different foods and be able to take part in fun initiatives that encourage them to think about diet and healthy lifestyles.
Special Dietary Requirements
We can cater for most children’s special dietary requirements on receipt of information from a paediatric dietician or the child’s own doctor.
Free School Meals
Free school meals are provided for children whose parents receive either Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income based), support under part 1V of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or Child Tax / Pension Credit (income related).
Application forms are available from school or by telephoning the School Meals team at the county council on 0191 383 3255.
Primary and Day Special School Meals
On all school days, a two course meal with up to 3 choices will be offered at a set price. From 1 September 2008 the meal cost per day will be £1.65.
The majority of schools have fully equipped kitchens and all meals are freshly cooked on site every school day.
New Contract
From September 2008, 204 schools within the county are included in a new contract with Taylor Shaw Ltd. The contract will see the school meals service transformed as part of Durham County Council’s on-going commitment to transform school meals and put children’s health and well-being first.
36 schools will manage their own catering service in-house.
The effectiveness of the changes to school meals will be measured and a report will be presented to the county council on a termly basis. School catering will also be included in each schools’ Ofsted reporting system.
Who are Taylor Shaw?
Taylor Shaw are a locally based company who specialise in education catering. Their emphasis is on home-made, high quality fresh food, sourced locally, served by staff that are fully trained and supported.
The food offer is ‘back to basics’ based on traditional recipes, using high quality ingredients. Menus will use 85% fresh food.
See www.taylorshaw.com for further information.
Secondary School Meals
A cash cafeteria style service offering a full range of dishes individually priced, including healthy snacks, traditional meals, deli and salad bars are available every day. From September 2008 the meal cost will be from £1.70 for a two course lunch. Young people entitled to free school meals will be able to choose from the various two course meal deals for their entitlement.
Some schools operate a cashless system to reduce the amount of money children carry daily and to avoid singling out those receiving free school meals. Alternatively, cash can also be used in some schools. Please check with the school for their exact arrangements.
Further Information
For more information on the standards set by the Government visit www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk.
