Council offers schools option of halal meals

Nine secondary schools in Harrow, north-west London, already provide pupils with meat prepared according to Islamic law in a scheme that has been running for two years.

Harrow Council said the decision to give halal-only meat, with vegetarian and fish alternatives, had been successful and the 52 primary schools in the area were due to discuss taking part in the same programme.

A council spokeswoman said the move had been advised by an independent dietician.

Councillor Brian Gate, portfolio holder for schools and colleges, said the "level of interest" from parents, and the costs involved meant that the council was not introducing the scheme into all primary schools.

Instead, it would be the choice of individual schools as to whether or not they chose to use catering firm Harrison Catering Services, which serves halal-only meat through a hub kitchen.

Councillor Gate said: "We consulted with primary schools about the provision of hot meals to their schools but the decision about whether to use an individual provider is for schools to make, as the funding is delegated to them."

He said the decision had been made because of cost constraints and parents' interest.