Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
As educators, you see first-hand how nutrition affects your pupils’ energy and concentration levels, as well as the ability to learn and thrive.
The food that can be served in schools is being updated so that every child in Wales has access to a nutritious diet in school which reflects the latest dietary advice.
We’re launching a consultation on: Healthy Eating and Drinking in Maintained Schools in Wales to help inform these changes.
We’re looking to update:
- What food and drinks can be provided in schools
- Guidance for caterers on the regulations, including medically prescribed dietary requirements (Special diets)
- Guidance on responsibilities for promoting healthy eating and drinking
Healthy food for schools | GOV.WALES
What this consultation covers
We’re gathering your views in three parts.
- Primary schools: New proposals for food and drink
These will:
- Offer more fruit and vegetables to help Welsh children get their five-a-day
- Include starchy carbohydrates (like wholegrains) because evidence suggests Welsh children aren’t getting enough fibre
- Limit pastry, sweetened baked goods and desserts, and fried foods based on the latest dietary advice
- Tailor portion sizes based on age group to help reduce food waste
- Reduce processed meat and limit processed alternatives to fish and meat which can be high in salt and saturated fat
- Safeguard red meat in moderation to ensure children enjoy its nutritional benefits
- Prohibit sugary drinks, which are linked to obesity and tooth decay
2. Healthy eating promotion: Clearer guidance on responsibilities
This will:
- Clearly define the duties of local authorities and school governing bodies in promoting healthy eating
- Provide practical examples of how schools can effectively promote healthy eating habits
- Clarify who is responsible for specific duties in different school settings
- Explain how schools can demonstrate they are meeting their legal requirements
- Support a whole-school approach to creating healthier food environments
3. Secondary schools: A call for evidence about current food and drink
We know that the way learners in secondary choose to access school food has changed. It looks different to primary schools where most children sit down together for a traditional two-course plated lunch.
Secondary learners have more choice, greater autonomy, and a variety of “grab and go” foods alongside a plated meal.
We are gathering more data on secondary school food. We are also seeking evidence to help us understand how best to achieve a nutritionally balanced, appealing food offer in secondary schools.
How your feedback will be used
Your responses will help us create:
- New guidance on promoting healthy eating in schools
- New regulations for primary school food and drink (starting in 2026-27)
- Future plans for improving secondary school food regulations
Give us your views by taking part in the consultation.