Issue - meetings

That the report be noted and further updates provided on a quarterly basis.

The Interim Facilities Services Manager introduced a report to update on the implementation of various service improvement initiatives designed to ensure the Facilities Services Unit complemented 21^st Century Schools and met the legislative requirements of the Welsh Government’s Appetite for Life health and wellbeing programme.  He advised that a comprehensive breakdown of the service improvements under each of the headings of Efficiency, Innovation, Investment and Growth was appended to the report. 

The Interim Facilities Services Manager gave a presentation on Flintshire Primary Branding.  The main points of the presentation were:

·        Current situation

·        The brief

·        Brand proposals

·        Logo/Brand

·        Brand Values

·        Brand values for Fuel up 205

·        Brand extension

·        In the schools: the Promotional Campaign

He also outlined future promotional campaigns to encourage the take up of school meals and commented on a Healthy Food week 1^st to 7^th June 2014, a cookery competition between Primary and Secondary Schools, participation in the Mold Food Festival, and the compilation of a School Cook’s recipe book.  The Interim Facilities Services Manager also commented on work undertaken to engage and promote local produce and suppliers

Councillor Paul Shotton said he was pleased to note the increased uptake in Free School Meals for those eligible.

Councillor Marion Bateman expressed concern that pupils were being given too much choice.  She also asked how much the Flintshire Primary Branding had cost.  The Interim Facilities Services Manager explained the cost per school of the branding package and commented on today’s sophisticated Infant/Junior market.  He referred to the importance of healthy eating and the need to make lunchtimes an integral part of the school day with the aim to improve attainment and development.  

Members expressed their thanks to the Interim Facilities Services Manager and his team for their hard work and achievements.  The Director and Cabinet Member for Education also expressed their appreciation to the Interim Facilities Services Manager for the service improvements and efficiencies, and the increased income and uptake of school meals.  The Committee expressed best wishes to the Interim Facilities Services Manager for the future.     

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and further updates provided on a quarterly basis.