Response to G Theodore Heath's letter (Tuesday, November 25): I am writing to clarify the current situation with regard to the provision of school meals following the letter by G Theodore Heath.

In 2000 as part of the fair funding process, schools opted to be delegated the budget for the provision of school meals. This means that each school is responsible for determining how they spend the budget to meet current legislation in the provision of paid and free school meals and nutritional standards.

While many primary schools decided to stay within a Swindon Services core contract, many of the larger schools decided to opt out and seek alternative service providers.

The fragmentation of school services has affected costs to those remaining and at the schools' request Swindon services have issued new draft service level agreements to each individual school to come into effect from April next year. These agreements have been created to ensure Swindon Services provides a quality service and operates at break-even.

Swindon Services are committed to retaining all schools in their school meal portfolio. However, this must be at no additional costs to council tax payers.

Schools have many choices in service provision that include hot meals, cold packed luncheons, transported-in meals or meals produced on site. We have been happy to quote for all these options.

Some schools have chosen to seek alternative caterers in providing these services, as is their prerogative, but we also understand schools are taking more drastic measures by closing kitchens and withdrawing such facilities. Swindon Services along with the government promote hot nutritious meals for all Swindon school children. The final decision rests with each individual school.

John Short

Director, Swindon Services