A WINCHESTER school has appointed new catering contractors to start work next term.

Perins School, in Alresford, has appointed Innovate, a specialist school catering company, to begin in September.

It was selected from six companies and will offer meals to students and teachers alike for £2 per day.

The current catering staff members will be transferred to the new contractors under the supervision of a new head chef.

School business manager, Clive Surry, said: “Ensuring the children’s opinions were taken on board was a key part of the tendering process and we even involved them in the selection of our caterers.”

Part of the contract with the new suppliers is an internet portal that enables parents to pay money into their child’s account to help them to buy their lunch. The student’s fingerprint is linked to the account so they will not have to carry cash with them.

Headteacher, Janice Bernard, added: “We all know that a healthy diet is key to performing well at school and at Perins we want to give our students every advantage. We are very excited about what this change means to the school and the benefits to our students.”

The first catering event for Innovate will be on Friday, September 5, for the Perins Alumni Association reunion.