Academies and free schools may be failing in their “moral duty” to ensure youngsters get healthy school meals, local government leaders have warned.
The Local Government Association has expressed concern that more than one million children attending free schools or academies could be eating poor quality meals.
This is because, unlike council maintained schools, academies and free schools can opt out of national food standards that stop schools serving junk food. The LGA is now urging the government to introduce a single food standard that applies to all schools.
The association’s plea comes as councils across the country prepare to take on a greater public health role from April. This will include responsibilities such as tackling childhood obesity.
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