A new fixed-choice menu means more and more pupils are munching on school meals. Lingey House Primary School in Gateshead has moved to a set menu option and has seen the numbers of people going for school dinners leap up - bucking the national trend. Before the recent change it was felt children at the school were being given too much choice, leaving much of the food to waste, as children in later sittings were forced to choose food they didn't like. In February this year, though, the school decided to stop giving the children any choice and make a single menu or vegetarian option, compulsory. And they've seen the numbers of pupils opting for the dinners go through the roof. A full consultation took place about the type of food that should be offered to children on school dinners which saw parents come to the school to help design the menu. Since then, the scheme has worked wonders. Year Six pupil John Moore, 10, who is a member of the school council, said the council had a lot to do with the new menus and he was proud they were so popular. He said: "We came up with a new one-choice menu and did a questionnaire. It went to everyone in the school and most people agreed it was a good menu. "We have different things every day and there are different menus every day for three weeks. Like on Fridays we have `Fruity Fridays' and we have pizza on a Monday. "I have school dinners more than I used to and so do my friends." And another council member, Abbie Ash, also 10, added: "You have different things every day and we got to help to choose what went on the menu so people like it." Since the change, one of the most popular innovations has been the introduction of a special trolley that lets children top up their meal with unlimited salad. Headteacher Christine Jones, said: "The parents gave us 100% support and this has helped the kids make sensible food choices and make sure they get a healthy meal every day. "Before this initiative the children were confused and we ended up with some really strange choices like sandwiches with mash and gravy. "We're now seeing more pupils having school meals and far less food going to waste." Coun Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for children and young people at Gateshead Council, said: "This has really empowered the children and parents to come up with the best food choices for pupils at the school and make sure they get something healthy. "More children are now taking school meals, which means more children are getting a healthy, balanced diet." The menus are provided by Gateshead Council's school meals service. | 
Northumberland
