How should provision mix figures be estimated when a pre-ordering system is in place for school lunches?
We are aware that a number of schools have pre-ordering systems in place which allow pupils to select their lunch in advance. This system ensures that pupils receive their choice of lunch options, and also helps to reduce waste as catering staff know how many portions of each dish to produce. The standards apply to planned lunch provision. When caterers who have pre-ordering systems in place are carrying out analysis of their menus against the nutrient-based standards, they should estimate the numbers of each menu item they expect to provide (the provision mix), based on their experience of previous menus. It is good practice to then check if there is a difference between the planned provision figures entered into the analysis, and the options actually ordered and eaten by pupils. If there are substantial differences, the provision mix figures can then be adjusted to reflect this, and compliance against the standards re-checked.
