County Durham Primary Free School Meals Pilot, 2009 - 2011

1. County Durham Primary Free School Meals Pilot, 2009 - 2011 Alison Young Lead for Health and Wellbeing Children & Adults Services

2. This presentation will: • Provide a context for the delivery of the Durham FSM pilot • Provide information on the challenges faced • Consider the solutions found and the lessons learned • Provide colleagues with an opportunity to ask questions

3. 239 primary schools, 209 in a school meals contract with Taylor Shaw and 30 ‘direct’

4. The Challenges ‘kitchen readiness’ • 239 light equipment • 170 cooks • 145 heavy equipment. • 10 complete replacement kitchens • 17 converted from regen to full production • 2 pods • 1 complete new build kitchen

5. 74 ‘electrics’ 2 generators The Challenges

7. The Challenges Special diets • 117 before pilot (Sept 09) • 527 in Jan 2011 (350% increase) • Packed lunch ‘ban’

8. Our best assets…….

9. The solutions ……

10. Link creative projects with food / school meals

12. Gain support from the unlikeliest of places……..

13. Link with other ‘initiatives’ – adopt a whole school approach

14. “I’m loving cooking for the bairns and them eating it – it makes it all worthwhile” (School cook of 27 years) “The children are much calmer in the afternoon and they are really enjoying the social aspects……” (Headteacher) “It’s made such a difference to us – knowing our 3 kids can now have a hot school meal……” (Low income family) “I can’t believe what Liam is eating. I couldn’t get him to try new things at home!” (Parent of Y2 child)

16. Alison Young a.young@durham.gov.uk 03000 265834