Headteacher rapped for keeping a box of Kit-Kats to reward well-behaved pupils
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:04 PM on 15th December 2009
Warning: John Waszek was told he was acting in breach of guidelines after rewarding pupils with KitKats for good behaviour
A school headmaster has been criticised for breaching healthy food guidelines by handing out chocolate bars to reward pupils for effort.
John Waszek, of St Edward’s College, Liverpool, was pulled up by a joint team of NHS and town hall healthy eating inspectors tasked with eradicating junk food and excess sugar and salt in schools.
Mr Waszek’s methods were called into question when an auditor from the city’s Transforming School Food Strategy unit inspected the school and spotted a box of KitKats in his office.
He was sent a warning that the school was in breach of guidelines which have banned such items since 2007.
The warning stated ‘There are a number of non-permitted school meal items in stock. These include confectionery items – sweets and chocolate.’
Mr Waszek confirmed the school operates a policy to promote healthy eating.
He said: 'The person came into school and I was told that chocolate should not be allowed and we were in breach of the regulations.
'I asked “Do you mean the box of KitKats?” and I was told yes. I just laughed.'
Mr Wazsek often holds informal 'pastoral' meetings to discuss and problems and progress with pupils.
He added: 'I ask the students would they like a tea, coffee or hot chocolate and they can have a KitKat with the drink.
'That's why we have a box of KitKats in school.'
He also revealed the school had also been warned against handing out sausage rolls to members of sports team after a game.
However, he pointed out that St Edward's has achieved National Healthy School Status, awarded for excellence in physical activity, healthy eating and emotional health.
Achievement: St Edward's School in Liverpool has National Healthy School Status
Mr Waszek added: 'The motives are fantastic. I don't have a problem with the healthy schools sentiment and a lot of the guidelines are absolutely right.
'But our job is made more difficult by legislative requirements.'
The Transforming School Food Strategy unit is run in partnership by Liverpool NHS Primary Care Trust and Liverpool City Council.
Liverpool City Council said the team was working with schools to advise and help them meet national healthy eating targets set out by the Food Standards Agency.
A town hall spokesman said: 'We have had a fantastic response from schools, who tell us how useful this service is in helping them meet these targets.
'The government says all students are entitled to a broad and balanced diet. We are there to support schools in achieving this.
'This work is having a real impact, with the quality of school meals and food in general improving dramatically in recent years.
'Eight out of every 10 schools have now achieved National Healthy School status which means the vast majority of our schools are providing the very best for students, helping to fight obesity and building a healthier future for our young people.'
In the 1930 -1940's at each meal time food was placed on the table in our kitchen.
What happened then was up to you - eat what was there or go without.
If you put something on your plate and didn't eat it, there it was in front of you at the next meal - and so on until you finished with a clean plate.
Now in my 70's I am reasonably fit and not overweight and have few hangups about food - just fennel , snails, and squid/octopus are not to my liking - but perhaps that is because I didn't get them as a kid !
- David, Sliema, Malta, 16/12/2009 11:07
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