Article: Schools' catering Article Body Children, Young People and Families have a number of school catering providers, but some of our schools provide their own school catering service. Schools have a duty to provide a paid meal on request and free meals to those pupils who are eligible. Because schools in Barnsley receive a delegated budget, the responsibility for making this provision rests with the governing body. The authority sets the recommended selling price of a healthy two course school meal, but as schools manage their own budgets, they can, through their governing body, set their own selling price. The selling price is currently £1.70 for pupils and £1.70 + VAT for adults. In secondary schools, in addition to the standard two course meal, other healthy menu items are offered at individual selling prices. School meals Website With the emphasis on healthy eating and nutrient standards defined by government legislation, menus offer informed choice. Pupils in primary schools can choose between a hot, traditional style, two course meal, a non meat option, and salad bar, and where facilities will allow, some schools offer a selection of chilled, deli style sandwiches, wraps, salads or pasta pots, tasty filled jacket potatoes or hot pasta and sauce. In summer months, picnic style meals can be provided for school trips, two weeks notice is required. In secondary schools, extensive, high quality menu choices are available along with cost effective meal deals, deli style sandwiches, wraps, salad shakers, pasta, filled jacket potatoes, panninis, milk and juice bars, salad bars etc and a wide selection of approved healthy drinks. Special medical, therapeutic, cultural and ethical diets and food intolerances can be catered for; all you need to do is provide the headteacher with a letter from your childs dietician or doctor. Some schools also provide additional services, such as breakfast clubs and healthy option fruit tuckshops. All pupils and school employees have the option to purchase meals in school should they choose to (£1.70 for two courses + vat for all adult meals), but some pupils, whose parents or guardians receive, for example, income support or income based job seekers allowance, are entitled to school meals free of charge. Again with the emphasis on healthy eating and nutrient based standards, we offer secondary school pupils a varied menu of high quality, cost effective meal deals to suit any pocket. The range includes traditional fayre, grab and go deli style sandwiches, wraps, salad shakers, hot pasta and sauce, filled jacket potatoes, paninis, milk bars, salad bars, smoothies and a variety of drinks. Secondary schools are cash cafeterias where meal deals and other items are individually priced. All our meals cater for the range of diet preferences and all menus meet the government's new food based standards 2006 and nutrient based standards (September 2009). How to contact us Catering Service Manager Children, Young People and Families 01226 773648 Area Schools Catering Advisors 01226 774591 01226 774459 01226 774590 01226 773619 Free school meals enquiries 01226 773513 Milk in schools 01226 773684 Lines are open: Monday to Thursday during school sessions: 8am to 4.30 pm Friday during school sessions: 8am to 4pm During periods of school closure: Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm Alternatively you can email schoolmeals@barnsley.gov.uk or call in to: Catering Service Directorate for Young People and Families Postal address: PO Box 634, Barnsley S70 9GG