More children than ever before are opting to have a cooked meal at their school, following a successful initiative at Larchwood Primary School in Brentwood. The school has been hosting 'Come Dine With Me' events for the second year, inviting parents to dine with their children and sample the food on offer.
Record Participation
Almost 100% of parents have taken up the opportunity to sample the school menu, leading to a significant increase in the number of children staying for school dinners. Headteacher Steve Bowsher expressed his delight at the success of the events.
Positive Feedback from Parents
Mr Bowsher said: "This is the second year we have hosted our Come Dine With Me events with our seven year groups. We are seeing almost all of our parents take the opportunity to come and eat with their children, and to sample the healthy meal choices we offer. Our parents are always pleasantly surprised by how nice - and healthy - our school dinners are. Times have changed!"
The school now serves home-cooked food every day, and the initiative has helped build stronger relationships between families and the school community. "Inviting our families in in this way helps us to continue to build those vital relationships, so they feel a part of our community. We all sit and eat together, and it helps to create that bond," Mr Bowsher added.
Impact on Attendance
The events have also contributed to above-national-average attendance at Larchwood. "Parents love it. Our attendance is above the national average, and, as well as the great teaching we have, events like this mean children want to come to school," he said.
