THE standard of school meals is improving faster in primary schools than secondary schools, a national study has revealed.

Studies carried out by schools' inspectorate Ofsted revealed that teaching about healthy eating was good or better in most schools, including those in south Bucks. Children in primary schools were also shown as developing and using skills to make informed choices about healthy meals.

Chief inspector of schools Maurice Smith said: "Secondary schools need to improve pupils' appreciation of healthy food and to better advise them on making the right choices at lunchtimes. Future legislation and government money will assist them in their efforts. It is important that parents reinforce the efforts made by teachers and lunch-time staff and ensure their children eat healthily."

Inspectors found that in the best schools, pupils cook or engage in practical activity every week. Some schools used local chefs and other food experts to engage pupils further.

Mr Smith said: "All aspects of food technology need to be scrutinised including the quality of teaching and training available and what the outcome for this subject area should be. Food technology has a central role to play in promoting healthy eating."

The study revealed that more than half of parents surveyed thought the quality of meals at the child's school were good or better. Seven per cent thought the choice was poor. Nearly three quarters of parents surveyed said the schools offered healthy options and 43 per cent said their child regularly chose this option.

Jane Stevens, Buckinghamshire healthy schools consultant, said primary schools were improving, but there was still room for improvement in the county's secondary schools.

She said: "We have 150 primary schools signed up to take part in the Healthy Schools Initiative and the Government wants all schools to be signed up by 2009. The fruit and veg scheme, which gives free fruit to four- to- six-year-olds, has a nearly 100 per cent take up in the county. It is having a phenomenal impact because there has been a knock-on effect with older children wanting fruit, veg and water at break time.

"I have been involved in healthy schools for five years, people are more aware and parents are more involved. It's the adults that are actively responsible for what children are eating. "