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In the report, ‘Making More of Milk’, it suggests that 28% of parents say the main reason their kids are not drinking milk in school is because they are unaware their children their children are eligible for free or subsidised milk.

Stefan Fageräng, managing director north west Europe at Tetra Pak, said: “Children need a healthy balanced diet and, as milk is a rich source of protein, calcium, vitamin B12 and iodine, it is and should continue to be a key part of our children’s daily diet for a healthier future.

“School milk needs to be safeguarded and policy best practice shared across different parts of the UK to encourage greater uptake.”

The report also found 89% of parents and 93% of teachers should be eligible for free school milk. The report calls for free school milk to be available for all reception children for the complete school year, rather than until the child’s fifth birthday.

The report shows that, while government and European health schemes provide support, they do not ensure all school children have access to milk at school. Currently 30% of teachers say their school is not making low fat milk available at least once a day, despite guidance to do so included within the School Food Standards.

The ‘Making More of Milk’ report can be viewed and downloaded here.