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Written question asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Breakfast Clubs: Standards

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of barriers to compliance with school food standards in school breakfast provision; and what steps they are taking as part of the free breakfast club rollout to ensure equitable access to nutritious breakfast for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Answer

The government is committed to offering free breakfast clubs to all primary-aged pupils in England, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, so that all children have access to a healthy breakfast and a soft start to their school day. Food served at free breakfast clubs must meet the School Food Standards, and we have provided guidance to schools on healthy breakfast options.

Early adopter schools are already sharing examples of good practice to support consistent, high‑quality provision across the country.

Parents care deeply about the food their children eat, which is why we plan to overhaul the School Food Standards for the first time in over a decade. Developed alongside nutritionists and public health experts, the new standards will include dedicated breakfast standards, cutting high sugar items and increasing higher-fibre wholegrains.

We have launched a 9 week consultation on these changes and are committed to developing a robust enforcement system, which includes monitoring of compliance.

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Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16427
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Standards Breakfast clubs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk