Free school lunch trial
The Scottish Government has conducted a free school lunch trial for primary 1 to primary 3 (P1-P3) pupils. The trial is part of the Government's drive to improve the nation's health and encourage good eating habits from a young age.
The free school lunch trial was conducted in partnership with 5 local authorities - East Ayrshire Council, Fife Council, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Borders Council and West Dunbartonshire Council. During the trial, all P1-P3 pupils in these local authorities had access to free nutritious lunches. The trial began in October 2007 and ran until the end of the academic year.
IPSOS Mori was appointed to conduct an independent evaluation of the trial. The main findings of the evaluation of the trial are as follows:
- Amongst the target group, namely P1 to P3 pupils who were not registered for free school meals (FSM), the level of uptake increased by 28 percentage points to 69 per cent.
- Uptake also increased by 4.4 percentage points (to 93.6%) amongst P1-P3 pupils who were registered for FSM and therefore eligible for FSM before the trial started.
- Roll-out of FSM to P1-P3 pupils across the trial local authorities was relatively straightforward. On this basis Ipsos MORI note that roll-out by other local authorities should not pose any significant problems.
- Parents, teachers, local authority, and catering staff were very positive about the provision of universal free school meals for P1-P3 pupils.
- There are some indications of early benefits, namely that children are willing to try new foods, including healthier options, and are asking for these at home. Parents and children are discussing food more often.
- Teachers did not report any behavioural changes in pupils at lunchtime or in afternoon classes.
- The estimated costs per meal associated with the trial vary widely from £1.79 per additional meal in Fife to £4.65 per meal in Scottish Borders.
The evaluation report and a 4 page summary of research findings can be found here:
Main report
Research findings
Since 2003, school meals in Scotland have undergone a transformation due to the Hungry for Success initiative.
Under Hungry for Success, the focus is on getting the balance right and helping pupils make informed choices. A wide range of appealing healthy food and drink are promoted through marketing, education and active encouragement. The Government hopes that children and young people will be more inclined to opt for healthier choices, not only in school but also outside school.
An important aspect of Hungry for Success has been extensive consultation, especially with the pupils themselves. Food manufacturers and the food industry have also been approached and changes have been made in developing products which comply with the new healthier standards.
Funding
By 2008, the Government will have invested almost £120 million to support the implementation of Hungry for Success, which will have been used by local authorities according to their local priorities.
Timeline
The deadline for implementing Hungry for Success in primary schools and special schools was December 2004. In secondary schools, the deadline for full implementation was December 2006. An interim report on the implementation of Hungry for Success in primary and special schools was published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education in October 2005.
Associated benefits
Changes to food in schools can drive forward other key policies, such as:
social inclusion - reducing child poverty and closing the opportunity gap
recognising the links between diet and attendance, achievement and attainment
the wider health promotion agenda within Scotland
sustainable development
Healthy eating in the curriculum
Ensuring there are clear links between what is taught about food and nutrition in the curriculum and food provision in schools is a key factor in the successful implementation of Hungry for Success. Schools have been encouraged to review this, and Curriculum for Excellence will include consideration of nutrition and food.
The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act
The Health Promotion and Nutrition Act places a legal duty on education authorities to ensure that the food and drinks they provide will meet nutritional requirements as set out by Scottish Ministers. This will go beyond the achievements of Hungry for Success and include what's on offer at the tuck shop or in the vending machine.