Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Adonis (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 November 2006.

Water Supply: Schools

Question: What guidelines are in place for schools and pre-schools with regard to the supply of free fresh drinking water for children.

Answer: The Education (Nutritional Standards for School Lunches) (England) Regulations 2006, which cover primary, secondary and special schools, state that pupils should have easy access at all times to free, fresh drinking water. For nursery schools and nursery units within primary schools, previous guidance still applies. Healthy school lunches for pupils in nursery schools/units—guidance for school caterers on implementing national nutritional standards recommends that drinking water should be available to all children every day, free of charge.

Secondary information