You are invited to participate in a research study. Before you decide whether to take part, it is important to understand the purpose of the study and what participation involves. Please read the following information carefully.
What is the purpose of the study?
We are conducting an evaluation of the recent roll-out of Universal Free School Meals in Wales. This research is part of a PhD study aimed at assessing the effects of these meals on children’s health and well-being, including their dietary habits, energy levels, and overall experience with school meals. We are seeking parents’ and guardians’ perspectives on school meals and how they may have impacted their children’s health. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
What happens if I agree to participate?
This survey is intended for parents of primary school children in Wales. If you agree to participate, you will first be asked to complete a consent form. Next, you will provide some information about your child, such as their age, gender, school year, and school meal status. The survey includes 11 questions about your experience with free school meals, and we encourage you to provide as much detail as possible. This research has been approved by the Medicine Ethics Committee. There are no significant risks associated with participation, and you are not required to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. However, we encourage you to complete as much of the survey as possible. Only completed surveys that are submitted will be included in the research.
Your data will be processed in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016. All information collected will be kept strictly confidential, and any details that could identify you or your child will be removed. Data will be securely stored, and electronic files will be password-protected. Only the research team at Swansea University will have access to the stored data.
What will happen to the information I provide?
The information collected will be analysed and included in our final report. The findings may be shared with relevant stakeholders and published in scientific journals and related media. All data presented in reports or publications will be anonymous and unidentifiable.
If you are happy to participate, please complete the consent form on the next page.
This research is being conducted by;
Amy Locke 968097@swansea.ac.uk
Dr Michaela James m.l.james@swansea.ac.uk
Prof Sinead Brophy s.brophy@swansea.ac.uk