School to become first in Britain to ban 'unhealthy' packed lunches

King David primary in Childwall, Liverpool wants to take the step because some children's lunch boxes arrive packed with unhealthy snacks, including doughnuts.

Staff admit the move is "controversial" but say it is part of a drive to make sure youngsters at the Jewish school eat a balanced diet.

King David school in Childwall, Liverpool will be the first to ban packed lunches in a bid to promote healthy eating

The rule is likely to come into force in 2010, when the primary school and kindergarten move into a £24m superschool on a neighbouring site with King David high.

The new premises would include one of the country's largest kosher kitchens, capable of preparing more than 1,200 nutritious meals, ranging from sushi to sandwiches, every day.

The kitchens would follow strict kosher guidelines, so meat and dairy products would be prepared and served in different areas.

Lauren Lesin-Davis, chairwoman of governors, said: "It is controversial, but as a school, we want to get our meals right.

"We are amazed at what we find in children's lunch boxes. Some even come in with doughnuts." 

She said she was "confident" parents would support the move, which is designed to tackle obesity and improve pupils' performance in class.

The school charges about £1.85 per meal and does not envisage any significant rise in the future.

Pupils will not be forced to eat school meals, and parents will be allowed to take their children home to eat at lunchtimes if they choose.

Recent figures showed 20.7% of boys and 14.8% of girls in Liverpool are obese by the time they are 11.

King David primary's plans were today backed by the Child Growth Foundation, an obesity prevention charity.

Chairman Tam Fry said: "If parents send in rubbish in lunch boxes, then the school has got to ban them." 

King David primary's plans were unveiled ahead of a visit from School Food Trust chairwoman Prue Leith tomorrow