Nursery World - No fruit for private sector

A private nursery chain is calling for the Government to expand the free fruit and vegetable scheme for four- to six-year-olds to include private and voluntary sector providers. The Manor Tree Group, a chain of eight nurseries based in the South East, has accused the Government of 'discriminating' against the non-maintained sector for excluding it from the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS).

The Manor Tree Group, a chain of eight nurseries based in the South East, has accused the Government of 'discriminating' against the non-maintained sector for excluding it from the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS).

In April 2004 the secretary of state for health announced funding of 77m over 2004-2005 to 2005-2006 to roll out SFVS to all LEA-maintained infant, primary and special schools and nursery classes attached to primary schools in England.

But Mrs Eaton, director of education for Manor Tree Group, said that the Government had 'gone back on its original word' to provide all children aged four to six a free piece of fruit or vegetable a day.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included