Junk food ban at schools

Every school across the borough will also have a healthier menu which will mean foods such as burgers and sausages will only be served on special occasions.

Walsall Council, which is behind the school meals revamp which kicks in this term, has also vowed to spend at least 50p per child per day on food ingredients.

The improvements are on top of efforts already made to tackle the borough's obesity problem and follow pilot schemes in primary schools which rewarded pupils for healthy meal choices.

Parent Angela Stephenson who is a teacher at Blue Coat CE Specialist Performing Arts College applauded the initiative.

She said: "I think it's great. I have seen the benefits of improved school dinner menus both where I work and at my children's school - Aldridge School - this year.

"They used to have chips everyday, but there is a much broader selection of food to choose from, breakfast clubs and more vegetables."

Councillor Zahid Ali, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We will be working with schools, pupils and parents to encourage them to stay in schools at lunchtime to enjoy healthy eating rather than leaving school to have a more unhealthy meal.

"Much is being done and we will be introducing a more varied menu with more healthy options, giving children a better choice.

Walsall Council has already held a successful pilot scheme in 30 primary schools where children who had a healthy lunch received free swimming sessions at their local leisure centre.

Councillor Zahid added: "It is important that we all work in partnership - schools, parents and the local authority."