Committee publication · Correspondence · 21 April 2026
letter from Minister for Early Education and Minister for Equalities on consultation on proposals to update the School Food Standards dated 10.04.26
From: Education Committee
Summary
Minister for Early Education Olivia Bailey informs the Education Committee of a consultation launching on proposals to update the School Food Standards (2014 regulations). The government proposes aligning standards with current nutritional guidance: reducing sugar, increasing fibre, and limiting high-fat/salt/sugar foods. Changes include mandatory appointment of lead governors for school food and online publication of food policies and menus. Secondary schools would phase in changes gradually.
Key findings
- Government is launching a consultation on updating the 2014 School Food Standards to reflect latest nutritional guidance—reducing sugar, increasing fibre, restricting deep-fried items, processed meats, and confectionery.
- Free breakfast clubs rolling out across all state-funded primary schools; free school meals extending to all Universal Credit households from September 2026, covering over 500,000 disadvantaged children and lifting 100,000 out of poverty.
- Proposals include mandatory appointment of lead governors for school food and online publication of school food policies and menus to strengthen accountability and compliance.
- Secondary schools offered phased implementation to allow caterers time to adapt to new standards.
- Government commits to working with schools, parents, food sector, and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure reforms are practical, inclusive, and sustainable.
Tone
SupportiveTopics
Key actors
Olivia Bailey MP, Helen Hayes MP, Layla Moran MP, Department for Education, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Notable line
“These are the biggest expansions in school food provision in a generation, ensuring we drive improvements in attainment, behaviour and outcomes …”
Key Quotes
“We are rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary aged pupils in England, and from September 2026 we are extending free school meals to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit – providing over half …”
“These updated standards are not about making that job harder – they are about giving the whole school food community a clear, modern framework to work to, with the support needed to make it happen.”
“By working together, we can create a food system in schools that supports children's wellbeing, reflects local needs, and empowers every child to thrive.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗