Concern over school milk scheme

Only 7% of primary school pupils are getting their milk

There is concern that primary schools in Devon are not taking advantage of the free or subsidised milk their pupils are entitled to.

According to research from the Dairy Council only 7% of five to eleven year-olds in Devon receive school milk.

That compares with more than 70% in Bristol.

There are fears that schools are being put off by the perception there is a lot of paperwork associated with the scheme.

We have proved we can encourage the uptake of milk in primary schools

Diane Cannon, School Milk Research Project

"You've got to be determined that you want it," said Jackie Rudman of High Bickington Primary School in Umberleigh.

"And in a small school it's a lot of paperwork just for few people but in a big school it probably works a lot better."

But Mrs Rudman is certain it is worth the effort.

"Our absentee records are actually lower this year than last.

"Children are not away from school so much because of illness, I think their health is better."

Dianne Cannon from the School Milk Research Project thinks the situation has been caused by a lack of awareness in schools.

"They are under the impression that it might create a lot of extra work for them," she said.

"But we have worked with lots of schools that are really successful in administering the scheme.

"We have proved by putting people on the ground we can encourage the uptake of milk in primary schools."