Pupils to get steam-cooked meals

The school was the first in East Sussex to have fresh food steam-cooked in the school kitchens, using microwave energy, on September 24.

East Sussex County Council believes the Scolarest pilot scheme, called Esteam, will help the youngsters lead a healthier lifestyle.

Cllr Rupert Simmons said: 'This new scheme is the next step in our on-going efforts to improve school meals.

'It is part of our continuing drive to improve the health of young people which is a key policy priority.'

Meals at the school used to be cooked at another school and transported into the Park Mead kitchens.

Now the council hopes to extend the steamed meals idea to other schools in Wealden.

It also believes the new Esteam menus meet the Government's standards

for school meals.

Cajun spiced chicken served with rice, tomato and basil quiche, and roast chicken are just some of the new menu choices on offer.

Dawn Lillis, a Scolarest manager who is overseeing the scheme, said: 'We believe pupils and staff at the schools will enjoy having meals which are cooked on their own premises, rather than brought in from another school which can sometimes create problems with food temperature and quality.'