David Tchilingirian is Schools Nutritionist for Merton Council. We met at a Food for Life Partnership network meeting and he was intrigued by the high take-up at some of Richmond's opt out schools. Today I took him to Sheen Mount, which is still boasting 85% take-up, where he was able to meet the key players in this success story; the cook, the head, the business manager and the children.
Our lunch was delicious - meatloaf (or a lentil version as the vegetarian option) with mash and lots of fresh crunchy vegetables, followed by jam sponge or fruit yoghurt. School cook Janine noted the children's enthusiasm for sprouts!
David was impressed by the number of teachers lunching with the children and also by the lovely atmosphere in the school hall. Sheen Mount serves over 300 children in 90 minutes - that's why it works. Sufficient time in the school day has been allocated to lunch so that lunch can be enjoyed as lunch - and not a bun fight. It was also great to see the menu displayed highlighting seasonal and local ingredients.
Perhaps next year, SFM will be able to David to ANY school in Richmond to observe good practice and not just to the schools that have opted out of the borough contract. Come on Richmond Council - you can do it!
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