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 primary 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 81,783 respondents with primary school-aged pupils specifically, as part of a survey run with ParentPay users in April 2024. Find out more here.
Balancing costs and concerns
With the cost-of-living crisis persisting, it is unsurprising that the cost of school meals remains a top concern for many parents in England. A significant 41% of respondents report spending over £2.80 per meal. Despite this, 61% believe the pricing is fair, while 37% consider it too expensive. This imbalance acknowledges the challenging balance school caterers must maintain between delivering quality meals and keeping them affordable.
Quality and variety: factors for increasing meal uptake
Respondents also highlighted the crucial role of meal quality and variety. Many parents expressed that enhancing the quality and appeal of primary school meals is a key factor when choosing school meals or providing a packed lunch.
A wider selection of meal choices also featured prominently in response to the question ‘What would make you choose more school meal provision?’. This desire for variety reflects the growing diversity of dietary preferences and requirements in English primary schools. The survey also revealed that while 83% of pupils have no special dietary needs, 8% require halal meals and 3% are vegeterian.
Allergy management in the school meal service.
Food allergies impact 5% of children in the survey, and while 37% of parents believe schools manage allergies effectively, there is still room for improvement. 23% of parents feel that although allergies are handled sensitively, enhancements are needed. Primary school meal providers can take actionable steps, such as implementing pre-ordering solutions that reduce human error and ensure pupils are not singled out, further increasing the management of allergies in primary schools in England.
The power of choice
44% of primary school pupils have their parents pre-order their school meals online, with 48% reporting that their child always receives the selected meal. This statistic highlights the importance of pre-booking and offering a variety of appealing options each day.
Secondly, younger pupils seem more interested in choosing their own school meals. 29% of parents said their child chooses from what’s available on the day, and 13% say their child orders by themselves in class using pre-ordering systems.
The bigger picture
Beyond the immediate concerns of cost and quality of school meals, the 2024 School Meals Report reveals that primary school parents consider the wider impact of meals on their children’s well-being and educational development. A significant 89% believe cooking should be part of the curriculum for all ages, emphasising points from organisations like Food For Life for an increase in food education in schools.
Secondly, sustainability is on the primary school parents’ minds, with 52% considering it somewhat or very important when considering school meal provision. 44% expressed a preference for UK-sourced ingredients, however only 32% would be willing to pay more for this option.
The challenge now is to transform these insights into meaningful action. By providing clear communication (70% of primary school parents prefer email updates) and fostering a commitment to ongoing improvement, schools can create a dining experience that supports both learning and personal growth, setting pupils up for success inside and outside the classroom.
