School Meal Grant Allocation

As you are aware, in your December Standards Fund Statement you received an allocation of money entitled School Meals Grant (Standards Fund 5b).

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.

How can schools best use this money?

The intention behind Grant 5b 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 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

If you would like further details or would to discuss any aspect on promoting ‘eating for health’ please contact Sue Astbury at sue.astbuy@norfolk.nhs.uk, the Transforming School Food in Norfolk Co-ordinator at Healthy Norfolk Schools, St Andrew's House, Northside, St Andrew's Business Park, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich NR7 0HT telephone 01603 307196.