Agenda item

This cover report presents the final report from the School Meals Scrutiny Review and asks Cabinet to approve the recommendations arising from the review.

The Chair of the Task Group, Councillor Fitzpatrick and Cllr Reid as Chair of the Learning and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee, will attend the meeting to present the report and answer any questions.

Resolved:   (i)   That Cabinet thanks the Task Group for their work in respect of this review.

(ii)      That, the recommendations arising from the School Meals Scrutiny Review Final Report, as detailed in paragraphs 10 and 11 of the cover report be received, noted and taken forward for further detailed consideration.

Reason:              To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.

Consideration was given to the final report and recommendations arising from the School Meals Scrutiny Review, at Appendix A, carried out by a Task Group with the aim of improving the take-up of school meals and free school meals.

Councillor Reid, as Chair of the Learning and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented the report, and confirmed that the review had been overtaken by the introduction of the new duty to provide free school meals for all Key Stage 1 pupils from September 2014. She referred to the low take up of meals found in many schools, particularly free school meals for which a pupil premium was received by the school. She thanked both the Task Group, schools and pupils and all those that had assisted with this review.

Councillor Fitzpatrick also spoke, as Chair of the Task Group, congratulating schools on their staff/pupil ethos. She outlined the work undertaken by the Group and referred to the good quality of the lunchtime offering to pupils. She expressed the hope that, with the introduction of free meals for KS1 pupils this would reduce the price of school meals and encourage additional take up to improve afternoon learning.

The Cabinet Member endorsed the work undertaken by the Task Group and highlighted the cost of meals together with the need to break down prejudices against the take up of free school meals as the main issues affecting take up.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:   (i)   That Cabinet thanks the Task Group for their work in respect of this review.

(ii)      That, the recommendations arising from the School Meals Scrutiny Review Final Report, as detailed in paragraphs 10 and 11 of the cover report be received, noted and taken forward for further detailed consideration. ^1.

Reason:              To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.