Last summer we undertook a consultation with parents' about what they thought about food in schools. We received some really helpful and useful feedback which we then used to inform focus groups with parents who expressed an interest in pursuing the subject of food in schools further.

Finally in December last year we met with Susie Haworth the B&H School Food Meals Manager to discuss some of these issues and work out some solutions. Here are some of the main points that came out of the meeting and attached is the full document for you to download.

The main issues parents raised in the meeting were:

• Concerns over menu options - specifically 'cold lunches/sandwiches' as an option and more choice for vegetarians.
• Dining environment - use of trays and social side of mealtimes.
• Lack of clear routes for parent involvement - parents are the customers but have little say in what is offered to their children.
• Cost of school lunches.
• The need to teach children cookery and growing for long term investment in families.
• Pupil voice and children's involvement in making menu choices.

As part of the actions from this meeting it was agreed that the Parents' Forum and B&H Food Partnership would fund and organise some training for parents and others who may be interested in gaining other parents views in their schools. This training will show how to use a set of simple visual techniques and tools as parents collect their children at the school gates. These ways of surveying parents are easy and fun, and can be used on any issue. Please download the flyer below and encourage your school and friends to do this training.

If you are interested in any of these issues or would like to attend the training please contact Tasha on tasha@bhparentsforum.org or on (01273) 294391.