News

Ofsted’s new Common Inspection Framework includes a judgment on personal development, behaviour and welfare. The new guidance aims to create a ‘culture and ethos of healthy eating’.

As part of reaching this judgment, throughout their entire inspection, inspectors will look at the extent to which schools are successfully supporting pupils to gain knowledge of how to keep themselves healthy as well as making informed choices about healthy eating and fitness.

Brad Pearce, chair of LACA – The School Food People, commented: “LACA welcomes the publication of the new guidance to support the School Food Standards.

“We have been calling for a clear overview of compliance with the standards for many years - levelling the playing field and ensuring that all pupils receive the very best provision, regardless of where they live. Clear, practical resources such as these are an important step in helping schools and caterers create a strong culture of healthy eating.

“However, delivering hot, healthy and nutritious meals is only possible if the service is properly funded. We were deeply disappointed that free school meal funding increased by just 2% to £2.66 for 2026/27, when our analysis shows that at least £3.45 is required (as of 2025/26) to reflect real costs. This would simply bring England in line with other UK nations, where significantly higher funding is already in place.

“LACA looks forward to continuing to work with the Department to ensure schools have both the guidance and the resources needed to deliver high-quality meals for children.”