The major problem with free meals for primary school children
Hundreds of children complain that they’re not being given enough food. Education editor Abbie Wightwick reports
THE Welsh Government is rolling out free school meals to all primary school pupils in Wales but many say the portions are too small and they’re left hungry, the nation’s children’s commissioner has said.
The official tasked with championing children’s rights says pupils have told her that portions aren’t big enough and they can’t always have fruit and vegetables. Children’s Commissioner Rocio Cifuentes says her survey of hundreds of children aged seven to 18 across Wales found the most common complaint was that portions were too small.
One 11-year-old summed up views, telling her: “It doesn’t fill us up – I always feel hungry after.”
The commissioner has called on the Welsh Government to listen to children as it reviews its guidelines on school dinners as part of its Cooperation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.
Other comments from pupils and staff included these views from 11-year-olds: “It doesn’t full you up (sic). It’s dry and they don’t give seconds” and “We get the same amount of food as Year One and it doesn’t fill us up.”
The introduction of universal free school meals for primary school pupils is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. All primary school children and more than 6,000 nursery-age pupils attending a maintained school will be eligible for free school meals by 2024.
This is what teachers say about the universal free school meals in primaries:
■ “There wasn’t enough choice of school dinners and portion sizes were small. They [the children] were often left hungry.”
■ “I’d like to see Year Six children having bigger portions because they have the same portion as children in reception and Year One. Lots of children are still hungry after dinner.”
■ “There are almost no vegetables any more. Normally, the only vegetable is sweetcorn because it doesn’t need to be cooked.”
The children’s commissioner said only 19% of children taking part in her survey about school dinners said they are full after their meal. Almost half (44%) said they can’t have second helpings.
Ms Cifuentes, who conducted the survey with schools across Wales, said the findings were an important snapshot of children’s views on school meals. She called on the Welsh Government to listen to children as it reviews the current school dinner guidelines.
On nutrition, almost a quarter (24%) of children said they can’t always have vegetables if they want them, and 22% said they can’t always have fruit if they want it.
A total of 490 children and young people aged between seven and 18 answered the survey individually. A further 1,250 children took part in groups, with teachers and youth workers submitting a summary of their views.
When asked for their ideas on making school dinners better, by far the most common answer related to wanting more food.
The children’s commissioner said many pupils rely on school lunch “as their most important source of energy and nutrition because working families are struggling to put food on the table at home”. She said she had heard concerns anecdotally about portion sizes being too small for many children, and the survey confirmed those worries.
“The universal free school meals policy is fantastic, but it has to meet children’s needs in order to fulfil its full potential. The government recognise that for many, this may be their only hot or substantial meal of the day, so we have to get this right and make sure that this significant investment by the government is having the most positive effect possible on children’s lives.
“The Welsh Government have said that it is reviewing the guidance and regulations behind school meals. This snapshot of children’s views gives a very strong indication to them that the guidance needs to change.
“It should be a priority for the Welsh Government to take this forward and to make sure they keep listening to children and young people’s views as part of their work. I’ve also shared children’s views with councils so they can reflect on these strong messages.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Our regulations and guidance set out information on suggested portion sizes which differentiate between primary and secondary settings. These are due to be reviewed shortly.
“As part of the consultation process, we will be seeking the views of children and young people, parents and stakeholders about any changes we plan to make to school food and consider the most recent health recommendations for child nutrition, including portion sizes.”