Dear Headteacher

We are writing to inform you of an important consultation currently underway regarding proposed updates to the School Food Standards for school meals, which are attached for your reference.

As your catering provider, we are keen to ensure you are aware of the proposed changes and encourage you to take part in the consultation to help shape future requirements by completing the survey using the link below. Your feedback is vital in ensuring that the standards remain practical, achievable, and supportive of both schools and pupils.

Key Proposed Changes

The consultation includes several significant changes to the current standards, including:

1. Changes to Dessert Provision

• 1 day per week: fruit only
• 3 days per week: fruit and yoghurt only
• 1 day per week: a traditional school pudding, which must either:
  • contain at least 50% fruit, or
  • be served with a portion of fruit

2. Drinks Offer

• Removal of fruit juice from primary school menus
• Removal of all drinks (including flavoured milk) from secondary school menus

3. Menu Composition Adjustments

• Reduction in:
  • Meat products (e.g. sausages, burgers)
  • Breaded and battered items (e.g. chicken goujons, Quorn dippers)
  • Pastry-based products

4. Filling Restrictions

• Ham and cheese fillings will be restricted for sandwiches and jacket potatoes

5. Pasta/Rice Specification

• All pasta/rice offerings will be required to be at least 50% wholewheat

These proposals represent a notable shift in how school food is planned and delivered, with a stronger emphasis on nutritional balance and healthier choices.

We strongly encourage you to thoroughly review the consultation as it includes components for which the school will be accountable, and submit your survey response by 12th June 2026 to ensure the views of schools are represented.

Parent Survey – We Value Your Feedback

Derbyshire Catering Service has launched a short and simple parent survey to gather feedback on current school meal provision and explore how potential changes may affect meal choices and uptake.

Your views are incredibly important in shaping the future of school meals.

👉 Please complete the survey here:
School Parent Survey (link to Derbyshire Catering Service website)

We would be grateful if you could:

• Take a few minutes to complete the survey
• Share your thoughts honestly to help improve the service
• Submit your response directly via Microsoft Forms

🗓 Deadline for responses: Friday 29th May 2026

All responses are collected securely through Microsoft Forms and will go directly to Derbyshire Catering Service.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.