Posted on Wednesday 23rd Mar 2016
New Standards for school food became mandatory in council maintained schools and some academies in January 2015.
But for schools that became academies between 2010 and 2014, the food standards are voluntary.
Schools teaching about a million pupils have failed to adopt the code, says the Local Government Association, (LGA).
The standards restrict the amount of sugary, fried and fatty foods in school meals and require pupils to be offered at least one portion of vegetables or salad as part of their lunch each day
They are mandatory in all council schools, new academies and schools that became academies between 2008 and 2010.
But having to follow them was optional for the 3,896 academies and free schools that opened between 2010 and 2014, as their funding contracts allow them greater autonomy.
Rather than change their contracts, the government wrote to these academies to make a voluntary agreement to comply with the new food standards.
The LGA argues it is essential the government uses a new childhood obesity strategy, expected this summer, to close the loophole and oblige all academies to commit to the same food standards as other state schools.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Don't worry, please call us anyway to discuss your ideal job.
Latest News
10/06/25'I couldn't imagine not teaching full-time - until I had my baby'
Alice returned to work three days a week at Oasis Academy Warndon in April and is on a flexible working arrangement for the next year, which means she can also take Oliver to regular baby group sessions. She believes delivering more flexible working options for teachers - especially those who are new parents - is going to be key to addressing ongoing issues with recruitment and retention in the profession. She wants all new parent teachers to be offered such flexibility, to allow them to "feel confident that taking that step forward in their personal life isn't going to lead to a step back in their professional life".
02/06/25£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND
£740 million allocated for 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND New SEND places to create more inclusive classrooms in mainstream schools, delivering on Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity. From: Department for Education and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP Published 27 March 2025
29/05/25Children with special needs in England may lose legal right to school support plans
Hundreds of thousands of children with special needs could lose their legal entitlement to extra support in schools in England under plans being considered by ministers, a move that campaigners warn could force thousands more pupils out of mainstream education.
23/05/25More Teachers to benefit from flexible working Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.
Press release More Teachers to benefit from flexible working. Government extend successful programme that supports teachers to plan lessons from home, job-share or work flexible hours.
20/05/25Headteachers in England, Wales and NI say Send provision crisis is worsening
Headteachers in England, Wales and NI say Send provision crisis is worsening Nine out of 10 school leaders tell survey they are finding it harder to meet special needs of pupils than a year ago. Almost all (98%) of the respondents to a National Association of Head Teachers’ (NAHT) poll covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland said they did not have the resources to meet the needs of all their pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).
News Archive