Memorandum submitted by the School Food
Trust
1. The School Food Trust has worked closely with
Ofsted on school food issues. We provided support to the HMIs
for the Ofsted themed inspections on healthy eating in schools
(2009-10)—published June 2010.
2. We are not in a position to comment on many of
the questions you pose. We would however like to comment on the
first question.
3. Learning about food is an essential part of children's
education. Food skills are important life skills like many other
key elements of learning in school. School food regulations are
ensuring that children are getting a better diet and research
has shown benefits to heath, concentration and wellbeing, which
in turn improve students' capacity to learn. We can supply further
information on this if needed.
4. Whilst there are regulations, and many schools
naturally chose to improve pupils' food, some do not prioritise
feeding children well. It is important that there is a level playing
field to ensure all schools are encouraged to keep school food
to the required standards. Better school food has additional costs
associated with it as do many high quality activities in a school.
There is a risk that schools will give up on the substantial progress
that has been made if there is no attention given to food provision
and the dining environment in inspections.
5. We have also just undertaken a review of nutrition
and food provision in Early Years settings and likewise feel that
inspection of the EYFS welfare requirements for food and drink
is essential too because of its significance to safeguarding and
well being.
October 2010
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