Standards Fund 105b

As you are aware, in your November Budget Share Statement you received an allocation of money entitled School Meals Grant. This has again been calculated at £1,070 lump sum (£1,500 for secondary schools) plus £0.50 per pupil.

This is the final instalment of the 3-year transitional funding to support the implementation of the mandatory standards covering all food provided in schools across the school day.

Further information on these standards can be found the School Food Trust website www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk. The School Food Trust was set up, nationally, to give practical support and guidance to schools, local authorities and caterers.

Standards Fund Grant 105b - How can schools best use this money?
The intention behind Grant 105b is to help schools develop the whole school approach to the promotion of healthy eating. Evidence shows that being well nourished and well hydrated helps children and young people to perform better, so this money can be used to enhance any healthy eating work that is already in place or to support new developments. Ideally the money should have a sustainable impact.

Any work done in this area will also support schools in meeting Every Child Matters outcomes and help you achieve the Healthy Eating criteria in the National Healthy School Status.
Examples from schools on possible ways to spend this allocation:

Improving their water provision

Training on basic food safety for those involved with cookery in the curriculum, or in clubs

Improving the dining environment

Buying new equipment for tuck shops

Starting a cookery/gardening club

Norfolk County Services (NCS) catering contract
Those schools within the NCS catering contract will again have 20% of their allocation deducted and paid over to NCS.

If you would like further details or would like to discuss any aspect on promoting 'eating for health' please contact Sue Astbury, Transforming School Food in Norfolk Co-ordinator, Healthy Norfolk Schools, St. Andrew's House, Northside, St. Andrew's Business Park, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, NR7 0HT, Tel: 01603 307196.