Food that is provided to schools by their local authorities must meet national nutrition standards and must be regularly available, meaning high-quality meat, poultry or oily fish, at least two portions of fruit and vegetables with every meal, and bread, other cereals and potatoes.
Deep-fried food limited to no more than two portions per week. Fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate and other confectioneries removed from school meals and vending machines.
The duty to provide free and paid-for lunches usually rests with the local authority. However, if the school’s budget includes an amount for lunches and refreshments, it is the governors’ responsibility to provide them.
Schools also have a responsibility to ensure that children are educated about what they eat and to reinforce basic healthy eating principles. All schools can seek guidance from their local authorities on this issue.
Anita Chopra is a partner at Match Solicitors
Useful resources
You can download these resources for free by registering and logging into our sister site TES Resources
Read the report from the School Meals Review panel
Read the guide to the goverment's new food-based standards for school lunches
Link to help caterers calculate the nutrient content of school lunch recipes
Other legal advice
Taking photographs of children schools
For more advice, jobs and support for new teachers subscribe to The TES. View our best offer for new and trainee teachers now.
Subscribe
Add comment