To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the effectiveness of the ‘Food in Schools’ policy on nutritional standards for school lunches and other food in primary and post-primary schools.

The Department of Education recognises that a healthy, balanced diet is vital for children’s growth and development and that good nutrition makes a positive contribution to children’s learning, concentration and educational performance. Therefore, the Department has proactively sought to improve the quality of food in our schools.

It is for this reason that I, along with the previous Health Minister, launched the Food in Schools Policy (the Policy) on 24 September 2013. The Policy sets out the overall aims and objectives of the Department in relation to food in schools. I would note, however, that compliance with the nutritional standards for food and drink in schools is a key, but not the sole, element of the Food in Schools policy. The Policy also describes the range of activities that are being or should be put in place to deliver improved nutrition and knowledge about food for our school children. This includes, for example, the provision of free, fresh drinking water and, through delivery of the curriculum, education on how to make healthy food choices and to prepare food accordingly.

Since September 2007 all schools have been required to comply with the nutritional standards for school lunches. Standards for other food and drinks provided in schools (breakfast clubs, tuck shops, vending machines etc) were also introduced in April 2008 and schools are also expected to adhere to them.

In seeking to determine the extent to which schools are complying with the nutritional standards the Education and Training Inspectorate’s Nutritional Associates obtained evidence from inspections relating to the nature, range and quality of healthy eating policies and practices in schools over the period from January 2007 to March 2011. I am pleased to advise that their findings over this time demonstrated that the vast majority of schools inspected were making outstanding or very good progress in implementing the nutritional standards.

The Department intends to undertake a survey of all grantaided schools early in 2015 to determine how effectively schools are implementing the Food in Schools policy. I would note, however, that this will seek to assess the extent to which schools are implementing all aspects of the Food in Schools policy including compliance with the nutritional standards. The findings of the survey will be used to identify any further support or advice which may be required to assist schools in implementing the Policy and complying with the nutritional standards

In 2014-15 my Department provided some £4.2 million to support schools to effectively implement the Policy and the nutritional standards. In addition, the Regional Food in Schools Co-ordinator and the services of an independent, professional dietician – posts which are jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety – provide support and advice to schools in this regard.