School Meals
The catering at your child’s school is provided by the Vale
of Glamorgan Council. The catering team provides
approximately 7000 meals per day in 54
locations. All kitchen staff are trained in accordance with
the legislative requirements associated with catering procedures,
to certify that food is prepared in a protected environment.
As local authority caterers, our aim is to continually work towards
providing a healthy nutritious balanced meal in accordance with
guidelines set by the Welsh Government in the Appetite for Life
action plan.
Appetite for Life sets out the Welsh Government agenda for
improving the food and drink provided throughout the school day and
the actions needed to make this happen.
Why should I choose a school
meal?
Research has shown that children who consume a
healthy balanced lunchtime meal show improved
concentration and memory. We have modified recipes to reduce
the sugar, salt and fat content and increase protein,
carbohydrates, fibre, zinc, iron, folate, calcium and Vitamins
A and C. Children benefit from eating together. It
assists in improving social skills, making meal choices, encourages
tasting new foodstuffs and teaches table manners within a safe,
supervised environment with friends. Teachers have reported that
children are more receptive in class if they have consumed a
nutritious meal. We can cater for pupils who have any special
dietary needs with supporting documentation from a doctor or
dietician. We work in partnership with NHS paediatric
dieticians.
Vale Catering source the food from reputable
suppliers and wherever possible it is sourced locally.
All the meals are cooked on the school premises with
the exception of five schools where the food is
cooked and transported from another location.
Taster sessions
Taster sessions are being
introduced where children can try new dishes and give
feedback. We also provide presentations to governors, teachers and
parents to discuss any queries regarding school meals. Healthy
Harry, our school mascot, has been designed to encourage children
to eat healthily and choose the healthy route to nutrition.
Healthy Harry
Meet Healthy Harry in his online club, see what is on the school
menu this week, see what is happening with healthy schools, visit
the fair and have fun playing the games.
Follow
Healthy Harry and his Healthy Crew on the My School Lunch
website.