The UK’s schoolchildren are still more likely to choose unhealthy meals, despite the fact that 80 per cent of the nation’s schools claim to provide healthy alternatives, conclude three government reports on school meals.
The government’s research revealed that pupils have generally developed an understanding of the principles of healthy eating. But, as with previous studies, the over-riding impression is that this knowledge does not translate into dietary practice.
Another survey of 79 secondary schools by the department for education and skills (DfES) found that high-fat meals remain top of the list for 48 per cent of pupils, while vegetables and salads were chosen by just six per cent of children and only two per cent opted for fruit.
One in five schools covered in the study fails to meet the national nutrition standards for schools launched in April 2001.
And a third study, by the Office for Standards in Education, indicates that the meals offered in 25 participating nursery, infant and primary schools do not “complement sufficiently” healthy-eating messages being communicated to children.
The DfES report recommends that nutritional standards should be made compulsory and that schools should document the nutritional quality of lunches in order to improve children’s health.
It also proposes that the choice of meals on offer is restricted to healthier options and requiring head cooks and catering managers to have certified training in healthy eating and cooking - only a quarter of those surveyed had received such training over the past 12 months.
The government will publish a healthy living blueprint later this year suggesting how schools can improve pupil’s approach to food and drink.
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