Perceptions of reasons for changes in the take up of school meals from head teachers and local authorities.
Since 2006 the School Food Trust has monitored the take up of school meals in England. All the surveys have also included questions asking about possible reasons for changes in the take up of school meals within each local authority. Alongside the annual take up survey, a series of ten waves of a panel survey of head teachers has been conducted since 2007, some of which included questions asking the head teachers about possible reasons for changes in take up within their schools. Longitudinal analysis of both sets of data has shown both similarities and differences in perceptions among LAs and head teachers.
Main findings:
- The main reason given by LA respondents for increases in take up were marketing of school meals to pupils and /or parents whilst engagement by the head teacher with school food is a strong predictor of increases in take up at a school level.
- The views of LAs and head teachers were similar in accounting for decreases in take up. In general both groups thought that the effect of adverse publicity about school meals in 2005 had lessened over time, but high prices and over-emphasis on ‘healthy’ options can contribute to decreased take up.
