Kirklees Council keeps school meals prices on hold

They will remain at £1.75 for a child attending a primary, middle or special school and £1.90 for a high school student. Cllr John Smithson, cabinet member for children and families, said: "In these times of recession it is important that the council does all it can to ease the situation for as many people as possible. "School dinners are already excellent value for money and this price freeze confirms that position. We now hope that many more children will have the benefit of an excellent school dinner at a very reasonable price." The service is also bringing in more innovative menus and systems to encourage youngsters to eat meals at school. Menus are matched to each individual school so they reflect the preferences of the children who attend. More high schools are now introducing the biometric cashless system to help reduce queuing - 13,695 students in 14 high schools are already registered. Primary schools are getting pasta and jacket potato bars to help promote healthy food choices and the Kirklees NHS is providing some financial support to roll these out in the Dewsbury and Batley areas. Carolyn Booth, head teacher at South Crosland Junior School, said: "Children have a wide selection of food each day at our school, including locally-sourced fruit and vegetables. The price freeze on the school meal will certainly benefit parents at South Crosland. With the choice the children have it is really good value for money."