In partnership with BlueRunner Solutions.
As the debate around school meals continues in the UK, a recent survey by ParentPay Group has shed light on what parents of secondary school pupils think and want from their children’s school meal provision. The comprehensive study, designed to help school meal providers make informed decisions and boost meal uptake, offers insights into the parent and guardian view of school dining in the UK.
The following results are from 87,000 respondents with secondary school-aged pupils specifically, as part of a survey run with ParentPay users in April 2024. Find out more here.
Cost Remains King
It comes as no surprise that the cost of school meals tops the list of parental concerns. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting households across the nation, 55% of respondents reported paying more than £2.80 per meal. Interestingly, while 56% believe meals are priced appropriately, a significant 43% feel they’re too expensive. This tension highlights the delicate balance school caterers must strike between quality and affordability.
Quality and Variety: Factors for Increasing Meal Uptake
Respondents also emphasised the importance of meal quality and variety. Better quality, more appetising meals ranked as the second most desired improvement when considering parents and pupils would choose more school meal provision over bringing food from home – especially for secondary school-aged pupils who are gaining more independence and autonomy of what they’re eating.
A wider selection of meal choices also featured prominently in the responses to the question of ‘What would make you choose more school meal provision?’. This desire for variety reflects the growing diversity of dietary preferences and requirements in British schools. Indeed, the survey revealed that while 85% of pupils have no special dietary needs, 9% require halal meals and 4% are vegetarian.
Allergy Management Feedback
Food allergies affect 4% of children in the survey. Positively, 53% of parents feel allergens are managed appropriately by their schools – however, this does leave room for improvements for schools to consider. Just under 50% of respondents believe allergies are handled in a sensitive way, suggesting that schools are prioritising pupil safeguarding and inclusion. There are actionable steps for school meal providers to take using cashless tills and pre-ordering solutions that reduce human error and don’t single pupils out, that can further improve the experience with allergies in schools.
The Power of Choice
An overwhelming 92% of secondary school pupils choose their meals from what’s available in the canteen on the day. However, this system isn’t without its flaws – 53% of parents report that their child doesn’t always get the meal they want. This statistic underscores the importance of offering a variety of appealing options each day.
Interestingly, there seems to be an appetite for more involvement in meal selection from older pupils. Many parents expressed a desire for more ways for them and their children to be involved in choosing meals, using pre-ordering systems.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the day-to-day concerns of cost and quality, the survey reveals that secondary school parents are thinking about the broader implications of school meals. A significant 85% believe cooking should be part of the curriculum for all ages, echoing calls from organisations like Food Teachers Centre for a greater emphasis on food education in schools.
Moreover, sustainability is on parents’ minds, with 50% considering it somewhat or very important when considering choosing a school meal. 43% expressed a preference for UK-sourced ingredients, though only 28% would be willing to pay more for this option.
As schools and caterers navigate the complex landscape of school meal provision, this survey provides valuable insights into parental priorities. The results show that school meal providers are continuing to deliver a high standard of quality and nutritious meals that align with the School Food Standards. By focusing on affordability, quality, variety and inclusivity, while also considering broader issues like sustainability and food education, school meal providers can work towards a system that truly meets the needs of pupils and parents alike.
The challenge now lies in translating these insights into action. With clear communication (79% of parents prefer email updates) and a commitment to continuous improvement, schools can create dining experiences that nourish learning and growth, setting pupils up for success both in and out of the classroom.
