Netmums survey on school dinners

Netmums has conducted a school meals survey. They got over 2000 replies. The results are really interesting - turns out the major concerns most parents have are with the organisation of the lunch break. The major findings were that parents wanted

* a more relaxed eating environment allowing more time for their children to finish their food.
* teachers and parents to eat with the children.
* better communication between schools and parents so that parents are assured their children are eating and drinking enough
* less contradictory messages such ice-cream vans, discounted doughnut offers and sweets from teachers

The single biggest grumble from 46% of respondents was that children did not have enough time to eat their food.

62% were in favour of free school meals for all.

It is well worth taking a look at the full results

It is interesting that many of the points parents raise are routinely ignored by both headteachers and the media when covering school dinner stories.

Netmums are doing a great job of highlighting parental concerns and I am really looking forward to working with them again to ensure heads and governors understand our concerns.