Schools urged to address issues raised in Children's Future Food Inquiry

Nadhim Zahawi, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, has written to schools, highlighting issues raised by the Children’s Future Food Inquiry and urging them to consider if they are doing all they can in the areas raised.

The Children’s Future Food Inquiry explored the food situation of disadvantaged children across the UK.

The letter highlights the issues which were raised in the report, and encourages schools to consider whether they are doing all they can.

The report highlighted the importance of a positive lunchtime experience, where children can have an enjoyable and relaxing lunchtime experience. This includes having healthy choices, avoiding queues and having enough time and space to eat with their peers.

The report also highlighted the issue of stigma about entitlement to free school meals.  The letter said: " I know many schools use systems and other methods to ensure that children who are eligible for free school meals are not identified separately. However, I would encourage you consider whether there is more that can be done, including ensuring that there is no limit on the choice available to free school meal pupils."

The last point is around access to free drinking water. The letter said: "I was shocked to hear some young people report that they do not have access to free drinking water at school and often have buy a bottle of water. Schools are legally obliged to provide access at all times to free drinking water on the school premises. I would urge you to consider whether you need to do more to make free water as easily available and as visible as you can. I would also encourage the use of refillable bottles, alongside other steps to reduce single-use plastics."