Healthy eating in schools

Healthy eating in schools

Thursday, 13 October 2005, Earls Court One, London SW5. Keynote Speaker Suzi Leather, Chair, School Meals Review Panel

In order to ensure that every school pupil has the opportunity to succeed, it is important to consider all of the factors which will have the potential to affect their future success. Research has demonstrated that the food we eat has a direct effect on our physical, social and emotional health, and with the widespread promotional campaign for healthy schools we have witnessed in recent months, we are faced with an opportune time to further the commitment to healthy schools.

The recently announced investment for the improvement of school food has been welcomed across the schools sector. The DfES has also announced plans to introduce minimum nutritional standards by September 2006, upgrade kitchen facilities and develop new vocational qualifications for school caterers. Ofsted will also be including school meals as a routine check during inspections. The newly established School Food Trust will play an integral role in promoting and advising schools and parents about the benefits of healthy eating. However, this culture transformation will require a top-down approach, with commitment by senior management, a very crucial piece of the puzzle.

For further information, contact Gemma Suter on 020 7324 4363, e-mail gemma.suter@neilstewartassociates.co.uk