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There will be a boost for fresh fruit and vegetables and deep-fried food will be banned in what the government has called the biggest shake-up to school dinners in England in over a decade.<\/b><\/p>\n
Under new school food standards, fibre and wholegrains will also be increased, and breakfast clubs will have to follow nutrition rules for the first time, with schools also being monitored.<\/p>\n
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) welcomed the changes, but said they hoped the new rules would not become “another stick with which to beat head teachers”.<\/p>\n
The changes will come into effect from 2027 and be funded with existing money for schools, the government said.<\/p>\n
As part of the new framework, sweet desserts, like cake, will be reduced from a regular lunch offer to twice a week in secondary schools, and once a week in primary schools. They also must now be served with a portion of fruit.<\/p>\n
Servings of processed meats such as ham, sausages and chicken nuggets have been reduced to once a week and must come with a side of vegetables or fruit.<\/p>\n
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said they were “once-in-a-generation changes” which would “transform school food for children across the country”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n