Education / School meal concerns among English caterers not reflected locally, SIC says
CONCERNS have been raised among caterers in England over the increased cost of school meals resulting in children getting smaller portions and less meat.
But are those worries playing out at the other end of the UK in Shetland?
Shetland Islands Council’s (SIC) catering team leader Neil Beattie said the simple answer was essentially no – with nutritional guidelines in Scotland “significantly stricter” than in England and Wales.
He said although the Scottish Government funding for free primary school dinners in Shetland – £3.33 per meal – does not cover the full cost, the SIC remains “committed to ensuring our bairns receive nutritious, home-cooked meals” that meet the high standards.
The concerns from England emanate from the incoming chair of LACA, the professional body representing the school food sector.
Michael Hales said school caterers were having to make “really difficult decisions” about portion sizes and the ingredients being used amid rising costs, adding that government funding was inadequate.
Beattie said although English school caterers often highlight funding disparities, the “picture isn’t quite so clear cut”.
He added the £3.33 the SIC receives per primary free school meal from the Scottish Government is not ring-fenced.
“However, our nutritional guidelines are significantly stricter than those in Wales or England,” Beattie said.
“England, in particular, has relatively loose guidance and no requirement for nutritional analysis, whereas our menus must be analysed to ensure compliance with national standards.
“We also follow strict guidance on portion sizes and place limits on items such as pastry, fried foods, and red or processed meats, among other things. Wales are in the process of updating their standards and are looking to Scotland to inform their thinking.”
Beattie said the £3.33 does not cover the cost of providing a meal in Shetland.
With a commitment to ensure children receive nutritious meals, he added that the SIC’s new menus aim to further reduce ultra-processed foods, “and we’re dedicated to sourcing Shetland produce wherever possible”.
“Of course, we would all welcome increased funding to support school meals,” Beattie added.
“However, comparing English funding against Scottish funding isn’t a true like-for-like comparison, given the very different standards and requirements in place.”
At the moment the Scottish Government’s universal free school meal provision covers all primary one to primary five pupils.
From February families who are not currently eligible for free school meals but are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment were made eligible to access free school meals for primary six and seven pupils.
Shetland also features in a pilot involving eight local authorities that will see secondary one to secondary three pupils in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment receive a free meal from the beginning of the next school year.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
