Newport secures investment to improve school meals

In a drive to improve school meals across the city, a new contract to deliver the service has been awarded.

Chartwells, a leading provider of catering and support services to schools, colleges and universities in the UK, has been selected following an extensive evaluation procedure. The new service will begin in April 2011.

Chartwells will work to the requirements of the Welsh Assembly’s Appetite for Life action plan and will tackle the comments made as part of the consultation with schools earlier this year. They will also invest £250,000 in the school service.

The Welsh Assembly’s Appetite for Life action plan aims to improve the health of children in Wales and outlines what is required to improve the nutritional standards of food and drink provided in Welsh schools.

Councillor David Atwell, cabinet member for young people’s services, said: “It is essential that we provide meals that are healthy, offer choice and are affordable. A balanced diet is essential for our children and young people if they are to develop and grow into healthy adults and links between diet and academic achievements have been made.

“This new contract will ensure that we meet the principles of Appetite for Life and put the needs of our pupils first.” 

All staff currently providing the schools meals service in Newport as part of Newport Catering will transfer to the new organisation. Their current terms and conditions of employment will be fully protected.

All primary schools meals services will be provided under the new contract. Secondary schools were invited to take part in the contract process. Newport High and Caerleon Comprehensive chose to opt out.