A workshop to support the development or review of a bespoke whole-school food policy.
The Department for Education already recommends that governors work alongside senior leadership teams to develop a whole-school food policy. As part of the proposed updates to the School Food Standards, it is anticipated that from 2027 schools may be required to publicly share their food policy and menus on their websites, strengthening transparency and accountability. During this session, delegates will begin to develop a draft food policy that can be refined and shared with key stakeholders on their return to school.
Details
Using the Leeds toolkit, this training will support delegates to explore all aspects of the school day and consider how a comprehensive food policy can ensure alignment with current statutory guidance as well as the proposed direction of the School Food Standards. A whole-school food policy supports a coordinated and strategic approach to food across the entire school day, clearly setting out the school's vision, values and ethos around food. It ensures that all members of the school community are working together to promote healthy eating, good nutrition and positive food behaviours, in line with both statutory guidance and emerging national expectations. The session will take a whole-school approach, considering curriculum, food provision, dining experiences and wider school culture. It will also explore how a strong food policy can support schools in meeting Ofsted expectations, particularly in relation to personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. A clear and well-embedded food policy provides a framework for consistency, ensuring that food-related practices across the school contribute to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for pupils, while supporting schools to take a proactive and strategic approach to anticipated national changes. As outlined by Sustain (2005), "A food policy sets a framework for all food-related activities in school, ensuring that aims and outcomes are consistent with, and supportive of, the overall goal of improving health and wellbeing." This remains highly relevant as schools prepare for strengthened expectations around food provision and education.
Outcome
Participants will: Review, develop or refine a draft whole-school food policy. Understand the key components of an effective and compliant food policy. Gain practical ideas to promote healthier eating across the school day. Develop awareness of both current statutory responsibilities and proposed changes to the School Food Standards. Consider how a whole-school food policy supports Ofsted priorities, including personal development, behaviour and a positive school culture. Identify leadership actions to ensure consistency across food provision, education and the wider school environment. Support engagement with, and progression towards, the Healthy Schools Framework.