Be ready to meet new legislation for the new School Food Standards
An online course for headteachers and senior leaders to support preparation for the proposed updates to the School Food Standards, with a focus on leadership, compliance and whole-school culture.
Details
This course is designed to support senior leaders in understanding and preparing for the proposed statutory updates to the School Food Standards, planned from September 2027. The proposed changes outline a move towards stronger alignment with current nutritional guidance, including reducing sugar, increasing fibre, and taking a more consistent whole-school-day approach to food provision. For leaders, these changes go beyond catering compliance and require a strategic, whole-school response. This training will explore the implications for leadership, including policy development, provision across the school day, oversight of catering, and alignment with wider priorities such as health, wellbeing and inclusion. The session will also highlight how effective implementation contributes to Ofsted expectations, particularly within personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and the creation of a positive school culture. Leaders will be supported to consider how school food provision can strengthen pupil outcomes, support disadvantaged pupils, and demonstrate a clear commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles.
Outcome
By the end of the course, leaders will: - Understand the key proposed changes to the School Food Standards and their strategic implications. - Identify leadership responsibilities in ensuring compliance and driving whole-school implementation. - Understand how the School Food theme of the Healthy Schools Framework can support leadership and a whole-school approach to food. - Evaluate current provision across the school day, including catering, breakfast, breaktime, after school clubs, policies and food culture. - Explore practical leadership actions to prepare for and embed changes effectively. - Strengthen understanding of how school food provision supports Ofsted judgements, particularly in personal development, behaviour and whole-school ethos.