17th Dec 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
A mystery shopper has been appointed to taste school dinners in Edinburgh as part of a drive to encourage more children to eat them and to ensure they are appetising enough, according to The Scotsman.
A new study shows Edinburgh has the lowest school meal uptake among secondary pupils in Scotland.
Figures suggest that just 22% of the city's secondary pupils took school meals this year – down from 26.5% last year.
Further research shows that among primary-aged children, only 37.8% took school dinners. The drop in uptake means the city's school canteens are heading towards making a £380,000 loss this year.
In addition to the mystery shopper, catering trainers are being appointed to go into school kitchens to improve standards.
Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, the city's education leader, said: "I am determined to improve the uptake of school meals and keen to involve parents and head teachers in their marketing. We need to encourage children to eat school meals by making the whole experience fun, tasty and appealing."
Ricky Henderson, Labour's education spokesman, added: "The take-up of school meals in Edinburgh is abysmal compared to other authorities in Scotland so any moves to try and increase take-up has to be welcomed. However, it's about more than the quality or choice of food, it's about the whole experience.