Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
Deep-fried food banned in new plans for school dinners
England’s schools are set to undergo a major transformation in their meal offerings, with deep-fried items and high-sugar foods targeted for restriction. The government has proposed replacing sugary snacks with fresh fruit for most school days, while also limiting daily availability of unhealthy pre-packaged options such as sausage rolls and pizza.
The Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the move to enhance school food quality but highlighted the need for extra financial support to sustain the initiative. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats emphasized the importance of aligning meal funding with escalating costs, while Reform UK criticized the plan as an overreach into personal dietary choices. The Green Party welcomed the policy as a timely and overdue step toward healthier eating habits.
Health Benefits and Implementation Timeline
The Department for Education (DfE) claims the updates will result in more nutritious meals for millions of children. It cites data showing that over one-third of primary school pupils are overweight or obese, and tooth decay from excessive sugar is the primary cause of hospital visits among children aged five to nine. The new guidelines will see desserts reduced to once a week, with greater emphasis on incorporating fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain items into daily menus.
This marks the first revision of school food standards in ten years, following delays caused by the pandemic. The reforms will apply to both primary and secondary schools, with secondary institutions adopting a phased rollout to allow time for recipe development, menu adjustments, and staff training. A nine-week public consultation on the proposals is underway, and the final regulations will be released in September 2025, with full implementation starting September 2027.
Cost Concerns and Funding Adjustments
Brad Pearce, representing the School Food People, praised the government’s review but urged adequate monitoring and funding. Recent survey data revealed that the actual cost of preparing a meal is about £3.45, which is 80p higher than the £2.61 allocated to schools for free meal programs. In response, the DfE announced a funding increase for breakfast clubs, raising per-pupil support from 60p to £1.
“The real cost of delivering a meal is approximately £3.45—roughly 80p more than the £2.61 given to schools to fund free meals,” noted a member of the School Food People.
Tom Middlehurst from the Association of School and College Leaders affirmed support for improved meal quality, stressing the necessity of practical implementation alongside increased funding. Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson, echoed this sentiment, stating that the education secretary must act swiftly to address concerns about rising food costs and inadequate funding.
Free Meal Access and Breakfast Club Expansion
From September 2026, children whose parents receive Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, expanding access for 500,000 additional students. Concurrently, over 500 new free breakfast clubs are opening this week, reflecting the DfE’s efforts to support healthier start times for students. These developments aim to bolster school meal programs while tackling financial constraints faced by educational institutions.
