Written question asked by Lord Beecham (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hill of Oareford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 December 2011.

Schools: Nutrition

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they require academies and free schools to adhere to set nutritional standards; and, if not, why not.

Answer: Academies, including free schools, opened since September 2010 are not required to adhere to set nutritional standards. Academies are given greater autonomy and freedom to use their professional judgment to make the best decisions on behalf of their pupils. We are confident that academies will know that good food supports good behaviour and better concentration in school and will wish to provide healthy school food. The school food standards for maintained schools also provide a benchmark of good practice. The Secretary of State has asked the School Food Trust to look at the approach taken by academies to providing healthy school food for their pupils, including a mixture of established and new academies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13934; 733 c276-7WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Schools: Meals
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Nutrition Standards School meals Academies Free schools
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk