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ANNEX 1: METHODS
General summary of approach
1 A case study approach was used, involving detailed study of school meal provision in 18 schools from 8 local authorities across Scotland. The local authorities were chosen to reflect a balance of urban and rural, large and small local authorities, and to include local authorities considered by the steering group to be at different stages in their implementation of Hungry for Success.
2 Within local authorities, schools were selected to ensure a balance of schools with high, medium and low school rolls and with different levels of free school meals entitlement. The 18 schools selected comprised 8 primary, 8 secondary and 2 special schools. Annex 2 provides more information about the criteria used to select individual schools
3 A researcher from TNS System 3 Social spent three full days conducting research at each of the selected schools. A wide range of research methods was adopted, in order to provide as detailed information as possible about current provision. The research was also designed with the aim of collecting information which can be used to measure the impact of future changes to school meals on pupil's attitudes and behaviour. In summary, researchers conducted the following research in each school:
- An attitudinal survey of a sample of primary 5 - primary 7 pupils in each school
- A "diet diary", completed by a sample of pupils from each school. Primary school pupils completed the diary over five days and those from secondary and special schools for one day
- Qualitative interviews with pupils in 'friendship' pairs or small groups
- Qualitative interviews and consultation with Head Teachers and/or senior management
- Qualitative research with dining room and catering staff
- Observation and other research in and around the dining room, including: photographing the dining room, individual meals and displays of food, advertising and promotional materials and displays around the school relating to healthy eating; sampling school meals; weighing portions of food served to pupils; collecting information on menus and recipes; observing the general environment, queuing arrangements, pupils behaviour, etc.
- Collection of current menus and recipes
- Collection of information on other food providers in the local area that might be used by pupils (where relevant)
4 The results of baseline study are reported in the following ways:
- Individual school reports following a similar format to this report (excluding diet diary and attitudinal questionnaire information) and summarising the position within the case study school at the time of the research (unpublished)
- Supporting database of information for each school including photographs of the environment and provision within schools; transcripts of interviews with adults in the school; recipe and menu information; field notes and other supporting documentation (unpublished)
- SPSS database of the results of the pupil questionnaire and diet diary
- Published report providing a detailed overview of the position in all case study schools
- Insight publication providing a summary overview of the research and its results
- Database of all materials used in the study and guidance on using the materials
Limitations on the research
5 While the researchers attempted to collect information relevant to as many of the recommendations as possible, the research was conducted solely in schools. We were not able, within the scope of the study, to conduct research with parents or with education authorities. This does place some limitations on our ability to comment on all of the recommendations included in Hungry for Success, particularly in relation to recommendations involving action by local authorities. Specific recommendations which we feel this research is in a limited position to comment on include:
Recommendation 1: In any Best Value review, the role of the school meal service as part of the education and health strategies should be taken into account. It should not be considered simply as a commercial trading activity
Recommendation 6: The Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit should take the recommendations of the Panel into consideration when developing standards for health promoting schools
Recommendation 19: Education authorities should consider the introduction of incentive schemes to promote healthier choices and increase the take-up of school meals
Recommendation 20: Education authorities should consider the introduction of staff incentive schemes to recognise innovation and celebrate success
Recommendation 21: Local authorities, guided by CoSLA as appropriate, should incorporate strategies for implementing the recommendations of this report into mainstream planning processes that will empower and enable schools and school communities to adopt the recommendations
Recommendation 23: Monitoring of the Implementation of the Scottish Nutrient Standards for School Lunches, and related aspects, should be undertaken using the four levels of monitoring proposed in this report, and should involve HM Inspectorate of Education working, as appropriate, with other relevant agencies
6 It should also be noted that, as this study was not intended as a scientific study investigating the nutritional content of foods served, no analysis took place of foods against the detailed nutrient standards and specifications contained in Hungry for Success, and only limited investigation of portion size took place.
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