Yesterday, the Government set out plans for what it describes as the most significant overhaul of school food standards in a decade, aiming to improve the health and nutrition of millions of children across England.
The proposals include a ban on deep-fried foods in school kitchens, stricter limits on high-sugar items and a requirement for schools to serve more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. Sweetened desserts will be restricted to once a week and popular ‘grab and go’ items, such as sausage rolls and pizza, will no longer be available every day. The Government has also confirmed that from September 2026, all children in families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, extending support to an estimated 500,000 more pupils. Funding for free breakfast clubs has also been increased, with more than 500 new clubs due to open this week.
These changes are being introduced in response to rising concerns about children’s health. Data from the National Child Measurement Programme currently shows that more than one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese, and the Royal College of Surgeons of England report that tooth decay linked to high-sugar diets remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. Government ministers say that the new standards are intended to help reverse these trends and ensure that every children has access to nutritious food that supports their learning and wellbeing.
These proposals will apply to all primary and secondary schools in England, with secondary schools being given a phased timeline to adapt menus, train staff and update recipes. Schools will also be required to publish their menus online, with a new enforcement system being introduced to monitor compliance. A nine-week consultation has now opened, with final standards expected in September and implementation from September 2027.
Hannah, Williams, Policy Lead at Feeding Liverpool, has responded to the news:
Families in Liverpool, as well as those across the country, will welcome yesterday’s announcement as an important step towards ensuring that every child can access healthier, more nutritious food at school. Through our work with schools, community organisations and local partners, we have consistently highlighted the need for stronger nutritional standrads alongside the resources required to put them into practice.
The Government’s intention to improve the quality of school food is a positive step, and the focus on reducing sugar and increasing access to fruit, vegetables and wholegrains is positive. These are changes that can make a meaningful difference to children’s health and wellbeing. However, for this vision to become a reality and for those proposals to succeed in every community, schools must be properly supported with adequate funding, investment in training and practical help for caterers.
We are grateful to all of the partners, educators and community voices who continue to champion the importance of good food for every child. Feeding Liverpool will continue working alongside them to ensure that these ambitions translate into real, lasting improvements for families across our city.
