Austin Macauley 07 January 2015

Two-tier school meals standards must end, says LGA

Council leaders have called for loopholes to be closed that mean 4,000 schools do not have to adhere to new standards on healthy meals.

Stricter rules that came into force this week restrict the amount of fried and fatty food served up to pupils and ensure at least one portion of vegetables or salad is available every day.

But they do not apply to schools that became academies between 2010-14. The Local Government Association (LGA) said this means more than two million children – one in four pupils – are at schools which do not have to comply. It wants the standards to be mandatory across all schools.

Cllr David Simmonds, chair of the LGA’s children and young people’s board, said: ‘School autonomy is supposed to drive up standards but in the case of school meals we now have a two-tier system where one type of school can effectively exempt pupils from healthy choices and instead chose to sell fatty and sugary foods. With ample evidence that good food supports good learning in the classroom, all schools should meet the same high standards.

‘It is a particular worry given that for the many children who receive free school meals, lunch is often their main meal of the day. Councils are responsible for the challenge of tackling obesity and poor diet as part of our public health responsibilities and we do not want to see junk food on the menu in any school.

‘No school should be exempt from these important standards and we urge the Government to make regulations on school food mandatory to ensure every child receives healthy and nutritious food at school.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner