Tameside Council addresses issues facing catering staff

The report has recommended the use of the biometric payment system – currently in use in some local schools – where pupils use a finger print to access their food account. This removes the need for cash or swipe cards, prevents long queues to pay for food and reduces possible incidents of bullying for cash. The review also highlights the key role of head teachers in promoting school meals and implementing policies to discourage children from leaving the premises at lunchtime. In addition, the report recommends ensuring dining areas are more inviting environments and that schools explore ways to involve more parents in their efforts, such as holding taster evenings and publishing menus in newsletters. Cllr Vincent Ricci, chairman for the scrutiny panel, said: "We have been very impressed with the hard work and dedication of school catering managers in delivering healthy meals to budget and to the strict nutritional standards while trying to find innovative ways to stem the decline in uptake of school meals. "Our recommendations aim to help further improve the service by sharing good practice – highlighting the ideas and schemes that work and helping to build a strong base for further improvement."