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School Meals: Standards

Asked by Emma LewellLabourDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 16 June 2026UIN 4110

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the role of updated School Food Standards in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn.

Answered by Olivia Bailey

A good meal or a nutritious breakfast can set a child up for the day. The department is consulting on proposed updates to the School Food Standards in England to ensure that all food served at school better reflects current nutritional guidance, supports our work to raise the healthiest generation ever, and ensures children are given the very best start in life.

Evidence shows that access to nutritious school meals is associated with higher attainment, improved behaviour, and better health and economic outcomes, factors that contribute to improved life chances for children.

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