A Strategic Policy Framework for Governing Bodies
Food Policy in Schools
Introduction
Why should Governors get involved in school food?
What children eat at school
is important. Although there areregulations governing nutritional standards for school lunches,
there is no current requirement for schools to have nutrition
policies. A survey of governors carried out in 2003 by the
National Governors? Council (NGC) and the Food Standards
Agency (FSA) found that the overwhelming majority agree that
schools should have policies in place to provide healthier food
and to promote healthy eating. Far fewer reported that they
actually play a role as a governing body in developing or
monitoring such policies. They reported that they lacked the
necessary information and they were unclear about their role in
this in relation to the role of the head teacher.
But school governors, in discussion with head teachers, staff,
pupils, caterers and parents can really make a difference.
School governing bodies can also bring together parents and
schools, to initiate co-ordinated change, and overcome the
tendency for parents to identify schools as a barrier to changing
children?s diets, and for schools to place all responsibility with
the home.
As a school governor you may already influence policies and
practice in your school that play a large role in the children?s
nutrition, and in turn affect their performance at school, and
their health now and in the future. But do you really understand
the issues involved; the changing legal requirements and what
?best practice? could mean? This publication aims to help you to
make positive and informed decisions about how best to
introduce or further encourage your school to adopt a whole
school approach to food and nutrition.
A Strategic Policy Framework for Governing Bodies
Key Themes
Healthier Breakfast Clubs
Healthier Tuck Shops
Water Provision
Healthier Vending
Healthier Lunchboxes
Download the NGC simple guide for governors on setting a Food Policy in your school ; Below
