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Gold Stars for Nutritious School Meals

Posted on Tuesday 6th July 2010

Most pupils have a good understanding of what makes up a healthy diet and, in the majority of schools visited, food was nutritious and well-prepared, according to an Ofsted report.

Nutrient-based standards for lunches came into force in 2008 for primary schools and in 2009 for secondary schools. Initiatives were focused on 70 areas in the bottom fifth for health and deprivation in England.

The Oftsted survey examined 17 primary, 16 secondary, five special schools and one pupil referral unit in the 70 areas.

Twenty-four of the 39 schools analysed were complying with, or close to complying with, the final food-based and nutrient-based standards. Thirty-two of the schools had achieved National Healthy Schools status.

Most of the schools had whole-school food policies, reflecting varying degrees of consultation with stakeholders.

Not all had policies on packed lunches. Where these existed, they tended to focus on what should be excluded rather than on how to provide a balanced meal in a cost-effective way.

Vegetarian options were available in all the schools visited but, in three cases, only on request.

Some schools had succeeded in increasing the take-up of free school meals through sensitive advice and support.

However, the report found that less thought had been given to providing support and advice for families who were not entitled to free school meals but whose incomes were low.

Discussions with some of these parents indicated that they had to budget very carefully to pay for a school meal. There were instances where siblings had to take turns to have a school lunch because of the cost.

A weakness in most schools was the lack of monitoring to ensure school food standards were fully met, says Ofsted. Governors were often unaware of their responsibilities in this respect.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NEWS  02/07/10