Written question asked by Grahame Morris (Labour) on Thursday, 19 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 May 2011. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 June 2011 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Nutrition

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether free schools will be required to comply with nutritional standards for school food.

Answer: [holding answer 24 May 2011]: Free Schools will not be required to comply with the nutritional standards for school food. They will be required to provide lunches where there is demand and free school meals to all pupils who are eligible and wish to take up their entitlement. We have no reason to believe that Free Schools will not provide healthy, balanced meals that meet the current nutritional standards. As part of the broader freedoms available to Free Schools, we trust the professionals to act in the best interests of their pupils.

Secondary information