Jamie Oliver backs 'lunchtime lock-ins'

Published by webmaster for 24dash.com in Education

Politicians will consider a plan today to lock pupils in at lunchtime to stop them spending money on junk meals outside.

TV chef Jamie Oliver has thrown his weight behind the scheme after education bosses in Denbighshire, north Wales, became annoyed that youngsters could not stomach the healthy menus introduced last year.

School dinner crusader Oliver, 32, said he supported the move.

"Kids should be kept on the school premises at lunchtime, so it will be interesting to see how the Denbighshire situation progresses.

"It's also important that the school food is tasty, that the dinner ladies are being supported, that the dining room is good and not too crowded and that the kids have enough time to get their food and eat it during break."

Speaking to the Wales Daily Post, he added: "A lot of kids just want hand-held food so they can eat it and go.

"That's why I took food like nutritious burgers and wraps into the playground in the last programme with great results.

"I also think that if the kids won't come to you, take the food to the kids with satellite kitchens that can go in the playground."

Locking up the pupils is one option the education chiefs in Denbighshire are considering.

A report due to go before the council today says: "One of the key issues affecting the uptake of school meals at secondary level is thought to be the lunchtime policies of individual schools.

"The group has developed guidance and a model policy encouraging schools to retain pupils on the school sites over the lunch break period and governing bodies, headteachers and teaching unions are being consulted on the document."

A council spokesman told the paper: "Schools and the council have a duty of care towards its pupils throughout the school day, including lunchtimes, and this policy would look at only allowing those with parental consent to leave school for lunch.

"This is one of a number of initiatives to increase take-up of school meals.

"The council has included more fresh vegetables and salads on the menu and a reduction in convenience foods."

Copyright Press Association 2007

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