Written Statement: Consultation on changes to the Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2013 (school food Regulations)

Today I am announcing the launch of a public consultation that will gather views and help inform our approach to school food.

In Wales our school food offer reflects our understanding of the importance good food plays in supporting learning, reducing health inequalities and helping children thrive. Evidence tells us that these outcomes are maximised when the food offered is nutritious, aligned with dietary advice, and when learners are supported to understand healthy eating and drinking and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

That’s why we’re updating the school food Regulations and Guidance based on the latest UK Government dietary recommendations and best practice, and working with young people, parents, caterers, schools, suppliers, local producers, health professionals, Welsh Local Government Association and Public Health Wales to ensure that every child in Wales has access to a balanced diet at school. 

This work will take place in stages, starting with gathering views on updated food requirements and nutritional standards in primary schools. With all primary learners in maintained schools now able to access a free lunch, and many able to benefit from the offer of a free breakfast, we have an important opportunity to help ensure the food they are receiving in schools provides a significant proportion of their daily nutrient requirements. 

For secondary schools, the landscape is more complex. Much has changed since Regulations were first introduced in 2013. There is increased learner choice, more grab-and-go options, and a range of eating patterns across the school day. Reflecting this, we are issuing a call for evidence to better understand these settings before developing specific proposals.

For both stages of education though, we recognise the importance of the promotion of healthy eating and drinking so that learners are better supported to develop lifelong healthy eating habits. We are therefore asking for views on strengthened guidance for local authorities and governing bodies on delivering their duties to promote healthy eating and drinking.

The consultation launching today is seeking views on:

• The draft Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations (the draft Regulations) and the supporting draft statutory guidance for local authorities and governing bodies of maintained primary schools
• Guidance on the provision of medically prescribed and other dietary requirements
• The statutory guidance for local authorities and governing bodies on delivering their duties to promote healthy eating and drinking
• How we can achieve a nutritionally balanced and appealing food offer in secondary schools

Over time, our proposed evidence-based changes aim to:

• Improve access to healthier school food
• Help children develop healthy eating habits which last a lifetime
• Provide appropriate portion sizes for infants and juniors
• Support schools to implement the new regulations flexibly

We also recognise the valuable role Welsh farmers play in providing sustainable, local food and remain committed to ensuring more local, Welsh food on school plates. Since introducing universal primary free school meals, and with the support of Welsh Government project funding and collaborative public procurement approaches, local authority spend on Welsh food has more than doubled since 2021. 

We want to build on this momentum and welcome views on how the delivery of school meals in the context of our proposed changes to Regulations and Guidance can continue to offer further opportunities for Wales' food economy.

The consultation will run from 20 May to 29 July 2025 and will be available on the Welsh Government website. I encourage all those with an interest in food, children's health and education to participate in this important consultation.

Following the consultation period, we intend to lay the updated regulations before the Senedd in December 2025, with them coming into force during 2026-27.

We understand the practical challenges schools and local authorities face in delivering high-quality food every day. That's why we'll continue to work with them to support the practical implementation of any changes.

Working together, we can create school food requirements and nutritional standards that work for everyone - supporting our children's health today and for their future.