All government primary schools offering hot meals

Pupils at First Tower Primary School enjoyed a Christmas themed hot meal

All government-funded primary schools in Jersey are now offering hot meals, ahead of a December 2024 target.

The programme began in 2019 with a pilot in five schools, partnered with local charity Caring Cooks.

Minister for Education Deputy Rob Ward praised the programme, highlighting its positive impact on children's health, reducing inequalities, and easing cost-of-living pressures.

The meals cost £2.50 per day, with some children eligible for free meals.

The education minister enjoyed a hot lunch with the pupils

The programme now involves two suppliers: Caring Cooks, based in Jersey, and Apetito, based in the UK.

Ward said: "The work that has gone into rolling out this programme over the last five years is remarkable.

"We should be proud of the fact that all our children can now have a hot, nutritious meal each day they are in school.

"This offering was a priority for good reason: it has huge benefits for our children, young people and their families."

First Tower pupil Tilly said the hot meals have made a difference for her at the school

Tilly, a pupil at First Tower Primary School, said: "It has helped me... I don't have to wake up early in the morning and make my own lunches."

"It also feels good because I get to sit with my friends and we chat."

Children enjoyed a Christmas themed roast lunch on Wednesday.

Teacher Michael Pallot praised the hot meals scheme

Staff at the school also feel the hot meals have helped the pupils.

Teacher Michael Pallot said "it's been great" and "after lunch in particular - we've seen much better concentration from pupils".

He added: "It's also really good at lunchtimes because we can see all the pupils talking to each other so it's really social, which is very nice to see."