School meals at Compton and Up-Marden Primary School

That this House welcomes the transformation of school meals at Compton and Up-Marden Primary School, part of the Downland Village Schools Federation in West Sussex; recognises the leadership of Executive Headteacher David Bertwistle in raising concerns about the quality of pre-packaged, microwave meals previously served to pupils; commends the Federation for developing a bold solution, including a hub kitchen providing fresh, nutritious meals designed around varied, seasonal menus and local suppliers; further welcomes the vital role played by the Compton Foodies, a group of pupils whose feedback has directly helped shape the school menu; notes with approval that meal uptake across the Federation has more than doubled, from 25% to 63%; further notes that this model demonstrates how small rural schools can pool resources to deliver excellent food for children; and calls on local and national Government to promote and support this model as an example of best practice for other small rural schools seeking to improve the quality and uptake of school meals.