Pupils from Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, have taken part in a focus group discussion with a researcher from the London School of Economics and Political Science this month.

The focus group forms part of a study, which is being funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

The study centres on food insecurity in schools and the information collected through the focus groups they are conducting will help school’s to better understand and further respond to the experiences and needs of children.

The study aims to find out more about what schools do to support children who might be food insecure.

The focus group was made up of three 30-minute sessions involving open discussion and group activities. Children were asked about their experiences of and views about food during the school day. They were also about their understanding of food insecurity and how it might affect children in their school.

The study will be completed by January 2025 and will be used in academic papers.

Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal, at Dartmouth Academy said:

“I am so proud of the pupils that took part in this focus group.

No child should be hungry and it was great to see our pupils share their thoughts on this important topic.”

Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:

“I am grateful to Abigail, the PHD researcher from the London School of Economics and Political Science for taking the time to travel down to Devon to speak with some of our pupils.  Tackling food insecurity is such a crucial issue and it’s brilliant to see work being done to help schools ensure they are doing everything they can to support children who might be in need.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“At Education South West we believe it’s our role and responsibility as educators to make the world a better place for all children.

I am so glad that pupils from Dartmouth Academy were able to contribute to this study, the findings of which I am sure will be hugely valuable.”