NGA responds to new school food standards and governance expectations

This week, the government announced an updated set of school food standards, intended to improve the nutritional quality of food served in schools and support efforts to tackle childhood obesity.

The new standards will increase the provision of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, while placing tighter limits on foods high in sugar, salt and fat. These changes are the first major update to the standards in over a decade.

The Department has confirmed that the standards will come into force in September 2027, giving schools a year to prepare. Secondary schools will have until September 2028 to make some changes.

Schools and trusts will be expected to publish their food policies and menus online, while the Department has suggested that boards nominate a school food governor. Further information on training, resources and guidance, as well as monitoring arrangements, is yet to be announced.

Fariha Choudhury, Senior Policy and Impact Officer said:
“NGA welcomes the direction of the updated school food standards and the focus on ensuring children have access to nutritious food during the school day. Good nutrition plays a vital role in children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn, and we support efforts to tackle wider issues like childhood obesity and food insecurity through a more joined-up approach.
Governing boards have long held an important role in ensuring school food standards are met, and the value of appropriate oversight and assurance cannot be overstated.
We are less convinced that appointing a nominated lead governor is the right way to achieve this. Governance is a collective responsibility, and boards should have the flexibility to decide how best to allocate responsibilities according to their own structures, expertise and circumstances.
NGA is concerned about the cumulative burden of adding new named governance responsibilities. While individual proposals may be justified, collectively they risk adding unnecessary demands on already stretched volunteers without improving accountability. Effective oversight is not about naming individuals, but ensuring boards have the right systems and scrutiny in place. Boards should be trusted to determine what works best in their context.
If the Department intends to introduce an expectation for a lead governor, it will be important that this is accompanied by clear guidance, appropriate training, and sensitivity to the nuances of different governance structures.
NGA looks forward to working with the DfE as further details are developed to help ensure boards have the support they need to provide effective oversight of school food alongside their wider responsibilities.”