School meals

30

WQ.458/2019

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

BY DEPUTY J.H. PERCHARD OF ST. SAVIOUR ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2019

Question

Following the revised answer to Written Question 410/2019, which stated that "the project did not arise from a specific objective", will the Minister –

1. explain the process through which the decision – made in 2018 as indicated in the aforementioned answer – to carry out the pilot scheme for school meals came to be made;
2. state by whom the "new proposal" (referred to in paragraph 3 of the answer) was prepared and whether any instruction was given by the Minister or Department to prepare it;
3. state how much one hot school meal under this pilot will cost the parent / guardian of the child; and
4. advise by what process the "exemption from competitive tendering" was "sought and approved" and who was responsible for this decision?

Answer

The revised answer to Written Question 410/2019 stated that "the project did not arise from a specific directive".

1. – The decision came to be made following a review of the potential benefits of providing hot school meals to primary school children. A review of the evidence was considered and found to indicate that the nutritional benefits would support learning/educational attainment in the short term, as well as support the reduction of the risk of disease in the long term. It was agreed that given these evidenced based outcomes and the fit with existing Government of Jersey strategic aspirations, that a pilot to assess the cost-benefit feasibility of such a programme warranted further consideration. It was agreed that a business case for the pilot should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Investment Appraisal Board (IAB) process.
2. – The new proposal' was prepared by Government officers in the Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance (SPPP) department with colleagues from Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES). The Minister for Education approved the preparation of a business case to be submitted to the IAB, this being the only route available to apply for additional in year funding. There were discussions between officers and representatives from Caring Cooks on costs relating to elements required in the practical delivery of such a pilot. This was the limit of the charity's engagement in the preparation of the business case.
3. – The cost of a school meal under the pilot is £2.50 and meals are also provided free for the most vulnerable children and families on income support.
4. – A form was completed to apply for an exemption from the procedures for obtaining quotations and tendering. This form was approved by the then Education Department, Operations and Finance Director, and also the Director of Procurement.