A group of schools has banished meals and drinks containing additives in a dramatic effort to reduce unruly behaviour among pupils.


The measure follows a pilot study at a primary where teachers say they noticed a remarkable improvement after only a week.

Low-quality processed foods such as breaded fish or chicken shapes have been replaced by homemade lasagne and tuna pasta bake. Fizzy drinks have been sidelined in favour of fresh juices, milk and water.

Many additives have been linked to hyperactivity and a lack of concentration in children. The new diet has the added benefit of cutting down on the amount of sugar and salt the children consumed.

Dafydd Roberts, headmaster of Ysgol Deganwy Primary School in Conwy, where the pilot study took place, said: 'After lunch time now it's a much calmer atmosphere and concentration has improved.

' There is certainly less of the hyperactivity that used to follow lunchtimes.'

Following the success at Ysgol Deganwy, all 65 primary schools in Conwy have banned artificial additives and colourings from their menus. It is believed to be the first time an education authority has done this. Old favourites such as pizza and sausages are still being served but they are now home-made.

And the school's crumbly apple pie with vanilla sauce and homemade cookies show children can still have food they enjoy.

Though pupils are still able to take in their own snacks, the school tuckshop is only providing healthy alternatives.

Catering staff at the school worked alongside dieticians and suppliers to source 'natural' products.

A psychologist was on hand throughout a month-long trial at Ysgol Deganwy to conduct a series of tests on pupils. The results have not yet been compiled but early indications are excellent.

The council's catering manager, Carol Davies, who helps prepare the additive-free meals, said: 'We have revised all our recipes and it does not cost a penny more, which shows good food can be produced on a budget.

'The children's favourites are still on the menu because it would be no good giving them food they don't like but they are now a lot healthier.' Government guidelines spell out the type of food that should be provided for pupils.

But critics say they are not being followed, not least because of budget limits. In October last year the Soil Association found that the outlay by primaries on providing a lunch can be as low as 31p.

An association spokesman said: ' This school should be applauded. Children are interested in what they eat if the benefits are explained to them.'

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