Aspects for improvement

The inspection evidence identified the following aspects for improvement.

Improve the accuracy of nutritional analysis

Local authorities and catering providers should strengthen quality assurance processes. This will help to reduce manual input errors, address missing free sugar data and ensure that all nutrient standards, including daily energy requirements, are met.

Increase consistency in meeting the food and drink standards at lunchtime

Local authorities need to ensure a more consistent approach to catering staff training on the food and drink standards and how to apply these standards across all sectors. 

Strengthen staff awareness and confidence in applying food and drink standards across the school day 

Local authorities and school leaders need to increase awareness of the food and drink standards among education staff. They should improve training and guidance for education staff so that standards are understood and applied consistently at breakfast, lunchtime, snack times and during wider school activities.

Reduce the use of non-compliant food and drink as treats or rewards

Local authorities and school leaders need to review practices where confectionery or other non-compliant food items are used frequently as rewards to ensure that they align with the health promotion duties of the HPN Act. 

Embed whole-school food policies and approaches 

More schools need to develop and implement clear whole-school food policies that connect catering, the curriculum, health and wellbeing, family engagement and include equity-focused support.

Sharing effective practice across settings and local authorities 

Strong examples of whole-school approaches to food and health, effective support for entitlements and partnership working should be shared by local authorities to support wider improvement and greater consistency.