A school in Marsden has celebrated the re-opening of its kitchen.
Meals had to be taxied into Marsden Infant School for more than a year after its original kitchen was deemed too small to cope with increased demand.
But now, thanks to the addition of a new classroom building, a bigger kitchen has been created.
Head teacher Frances Swallow said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. Our bellies start to rumble in the morning though, because now we can smell our lunch being cooked.
“We had to move school meal provision out of our building when the Government extended free school meals to every child at infant school.
“Our kitchen was too small for that so our meals started to be made at another school and taxied over to us.
“But now we can provide meals to 160 children – and only 10 bring in packed lunches now.”
Everyone, including Ms Swallow, gets to enjoy a two course meal every day.
Youngsters are able to watch the food being prepared thanks to the open plan kitchen and low counters.
“This helps them learn about where their food comes from and how it gets cooked, which is really important,” said Ms Swallow.
“There are a few choices for the main and one is always suitable for vegetarians.
“We cater for others with dietary needs such as coeliacs. Then there is a choice of a pudding, yogurt or fruit for dessert.
“Fridays are sugar free days so we get tasty desserts made with naturally sweet food, such as apple chocolate cake.”
