National Assembly Committee Supports Legislation Aimed at Improving Healthy Eating in Schools

The Assembly’s Proposed Healthy Eating in Schools Measure Committee today (EDS: MONDAY OCTOBER 6) published its report on legislative proposals aimed at improving healthy eating in schools across Wales.

The report states that legislation on healthy eating in schools is needed, and makes clear that the legislation should be progressed without delay.

The Committee was established in April 2008 to consider and report on the general principles of the proposed Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Measure 2008. The proposed Measure was the first piece of legislation to be introduced by a back-bench member (Jenny Randerson AM) under the Assembly’s new legislative powers.

The proposed Measure would, among other things, impose a duty on Welsh Ministers, governing bodies, head teachers and local education authorities to promote healthy eating in schools, make healthy eating part of the schools’ inspection arrangements and enable Welsh Ministers to specify nutritional standards in food and drink provided for pupils on school premises.

The Committee considered the need for and timing of such legislation, and also examined the key provisions contained within the proposed Measure to ascertain whether they were appropriate and workable. In order to inform its work, the Committee carried out a public consultation which sought the views of pupils in schools throughout Wales and took oral evidence from key stakeholders.

During the course of its work, the Committee found that the overwhelming majority of those giving evidence recognised the important role played by schools in encouraging healthy eating.

In its report, the Committee acknowledges the work being taken forward in the area of healthy eating by the Assembly Government, particularly through its Appetite for Life initiative. However, it raises concern about the lack of consistency that exists in encouraging healthy eating across schools in Wales.

In addition, the Committee recommends that some of the provisions in the proposed Measure relating to guidance issued by Welsh Ministers be strengthened.  It also recommends that a requirement be placed on Welsh Ministers to make regulations relating to higher nutritional standards.

Kirsty Williams AM, Chair of the Committee, said: “Healthy eating in schools has, for some time, been working its way up the social and political agenda.

“While we welcome the commitment shown by education and health professionals in taking forward the healthy eating agenda, we cannot ignore the significant variability that exists in arrangements and practices across schools in Wales.

“If all schools were as good as the best in conveying the message to pupils and parents about the importance of healthy eating, and in providing nutritious school meals, perhaps legislation of this kind would not be necessary.

“However, if we want all children in Wales to be able to benefit from a healthy start, then we believe a more robust approach is required. To this end, the Committee unanimously supports the general principles of the proposed Measure.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised by some stakeholders about the practical and financial implications of implementing the legislation, but we trust that the Assembly Government will give due consideration to these issues and provide adequate support to relevant parties to ensure the success of the proposed Measure.”

Further information on the proposed Measure and the legislative process

Note for editors

Jeff Cuthbert AM will be available for interview on Friday 3 October.

The next stages of the Measure’s consideration are:

• Stage 1 - debate in Plenary seeking the Assembly’s agreement to the general principles of the proposed Measure (expected mid-October 2008)

• Stage 2 - detailed consideration by a committee of the proposed Measure and any amendments tabled; in Committee;

• Stage 3 - detailed consideration by the Assembly in Plenary of the proposed Measure and any selected amendments;

• Stage 4 - a vote by the Assembly in Plenary to pass the final text of the proposed Measure.