Schools lunch breaks

WQ.490/2019

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2019

Question

Will the Minister –

1. advise what guidance or direction, if any, is given to schools regarding the length of lunch breaks;
2. state how her Department ascertains that students in all of the Island's schools are able to access suitable food at lunches and have the time to do so, and whether the Department is currently certain that this is the case; and
3. provide a list showing the length of lunch breaks taken in the Island's schools, highlighting the minimum and maximum length currently taken?

Answer

1. Head teachers are responsible for determining internal timings of the school day. Any changes to the start and finish times of the day must be consulted upon with the Department, who will advise on consultation with parents and stakeholders (e.g. neighbouring schools, bus company etc.)
2. The healthy eating in schools programme, and school food standards are linked to the Governments Food and Nutrition Strategy for all schools who provide a hot meal service. Where this service is not provided the parents are responsible for providing a packed lunch.