Agenda item

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee receives further updates at key project milestones; and

(c)        That the Director of Lifelong Learning provides further information to the Committee on the eligibility of free school meals and other entitlements.

The Interim Facilities Manager introduced a report to provide members with an update on the implementation of various initiatives within the school meals service.  He also gave a presentation and progress report on the Appetite for Life programme which was a Welsh Government initiative designed to improve the health and wellbeing of children.  The main points of the presentation were as follows:

·        Welsh Assembly Government Campaign

·        Aims and Changes

·        Balanced diet

·        Communication

·        Mind and Body fuel

·        Some obesity facts

·        Secondary Schools

·        Primary Schools

·        Going Forward

                                       The Chairman thanked the Interim Facilities Manager for a detailed and informative presentation and invited members to raise questions.

                                       Councillor M. Bateman queried the cost of the new branding.  The Interim Facilities Manager advised that the cost was £40K for Secondary schools but the cost for Primary schools had yet to be determined.

                                       Councillor P. Shotton referred to the effects of the Single Status agreement on facilities staff.  The Interim Facilities Manager referred to a management review which had been undertaken and said the outcome had been reported to the Corporate Management Team last month which had proposed a flatter structure.  The Director of Lifelong Learning commented that in neighbouring Authorities staffing levels were based on the number of pupils having school meals which maybe something the Authority might wish to consider. 

                                       Councillor S. Jones expressed a number of concerns around the administration of the proposed promotional offers and hoped that it would not create additional work for school administration staff.  The Interim Facilities Manager commented that the service was working closely to support schools and considering a range of interventions to ensure support was in place.      

During discussion members raised a number of further queries and concerns around the charges for school meals, cash handling and alternative methods of payment by pupils for school meals.

                                       Councillor N.M. Matthews raised the issue of rural schools, the transport of school meals and how to maintain quality of standards.  The Interim Facilities Manager acknowledged the points made and advised that the Authority was looking into the quality of food that was transported.   In response to a suggestion by Councillor Matthews concerning a cook on site in small schools the Interim Facilities Manager said that any proposals put forward by rural schools would be considered. 

                                       Mr. D. Hytch commented on the need for outsourcing and asked if the Authority sourced sustainable local produce from local suppliers.  The Interim Facilities Manager outlined the tendering process and advised that as far as possible wholesalers were asked to purchase local produce. 

                                       Mrs. R. Stark referred to the different issues to be considered between provision of the scheme in Primary and Secondary schools and suggested that an holistic view should be taken of the needs of Primary schools. 

Councillor P.G. Heesom also referred to the need for a different approach to primary schools and in particular rural schools.  He commented on the importance of retaining facilities within schools and cited Breakfast Clubs as an example.  Councillor Heesom welcomed the initiative but emphasised the need to consider the local community base of rural and small schools.     

                                       In response to a request from Councillor N.M. Matthews the Director of Lifelong Learning agreed to provide further information to the Committee on the eligibility of free school meals and other entitlements.  The Interim Facilities Manager also confirmed that he would provide the Facilitator with information on the number of pupils who received free school meals in Primary and Secondary schools in Flintshire. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee receives further updates at key project milestones; and

(c)        That the Director of Lifelong Learning provides further information to the Committee on the eligibility of free school meals and other entitlements.