24 September 2013

Healthy eating further embedded in schools with launch of new policy

From today, schools must adopt a ‘whole-school’ approach to the provision of food to pupils and the teaching of healthy eating in class.

The launch of the ‘Food in Schools’ policy, a joint Department of Education and Department of Health document, draws together a number of existing strategies. It challenges schools to adopt a ‘whole-school’ approach so that children and young people receive a consistent message not only in what they are taught in the classroom about healthy eating, but also in the food that is available to them in the canteen, vending machines and tuckshops within their school.

Making the announcement, Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “Recent years have seen great strides in ensuring the provision of healthy, nutritious meals in our schools. Not only do they provide health benefits to children, they also aid learning in the classroom and lead to improved educational outcomes.

“Today we are launching a new ‘Food in Schools’ policy that will build on this important work. The document, which will be issued to all local schools, will help ensure that all pupils can not only avail of healthy and nutritious food at school, but that they can also develop the knowledge and skills to enable them to make healthy eating choices and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

“The policy highlights that schools are required to provide education on nutrition and healthy eating from the foundation stage right through to Key Stage 4. It will ensure all pupils in Key Stage 3 (years 8 to 10) receive education in home economics and have opportunities to explore ways to develop a healthy diet and to learn practical skills in the safe, hygienic and creative use of food.”

The Department of Education has also produced an easy-read summary of the policy for pupils and parents that can be accessed on the Department’s website at: http://www.deni.gov.uk/food-in-schools-policy.htm

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “A healthy, balanced diet is vital for a child’s growth and development and for their long-term health and wellbeing. There is a well documented relationship between poor health, nutrition and low school achievement. As children and young people spend much of their time within the school environment, it is vital that the food offered in this setting is nutritious and beneficial to long-term health. Furthermore, ensuring our children have access to healthy nutritious food, and are provided with opportunities to develop relevant skills and knowledge, will support the development of healthy food habits that will last into their adult years, and this can reduce the risk of suffering obesity related long-term health conditions.

“This new Food in Schools policy will complement the work my Department, the Public Health Agency, and many other partners are taking forward through the implementation of the current obesity prevention framework ‘A Fitter Future for All 2012-2022’.”