From September next year, schools across Birmingham and the rest of England will implement significant changes to their meal offerings under the first new school food standards introduced in over ten years. The updated guidelines require schools to limit sweetened baked desserts and deep-fried foods, while ensuring every main meal includes a portion of vegetables or salad.
These changes aim to address growing concerns around childhood obesity and tooth decay, with high-fat and high-salt items like pizzas and sausages also subject to restriction. Sugary drinks and treats such as ice cream and waffles will face tighter controls.
Menus will feature an increased use of high-fibre wholegrains and pulses, including lentils and chickpeas, which must be included alongside main meals at least once a week. To support transparency and compliance, schools will be expected to publish their menus and food policies online and appoint a school food governor to oversee meal standards.
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Secondary schools have until September 2028 to fully implement certain aspects of the new standards. The Department for Education (DfE) will work collaboratively with the Food Standards Agency to monitor compliance, with detailed plans to be announced in due course.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who has long championed improvements in school meals, welcomed the announcement. He described the new standards as a “brilliant day” following 25 years of advocacy and emphasised the importance of ensuring school food supports children’s health and development.
A recent survey of over 1,400 headteachers and senior leaders revealed that 68% believed independent monitoring would enhance the effectiveness of these standards. The need for improvement is underscored by statistics showing that nearly one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese, and tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions among children aged five to nine.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell highlighted the broader efforts to improve children’s nutrition, including expanded free school meals and breakfast clubs, stating these changes are about guaranteeing that no child goes hungry and that all children have a fair start.
However, trade unions have raised concerns about funding, cautioning that schools will need additional financial support to meet the new requirements without affecting teaching resources. Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, pointed out that current funding for free school meals often falls short, forcing schools to reallocate funds from other areas.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, called for significant additional government funding, warning that without it, schools might have to divert already stretched budgets. He also urged that any inspection process should avoid imposing extra burdens on school leaders.
Actress Dame Emma Thompson, a campaigner for the Food Foundation, praised the reforms as a vital investment in children’s health.
Conversely, some Conservative figures criticised the reforms, arguing that other national issues require greater attention. Matt Vickers, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, disparaged the focus on school meal changes, remarking that such policies detract from more pressing priorities.