Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 2 December 2024
To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors the quality of primary school meals across local authorities, and how frequently these checks are carried out.
Local authorities have a statutory obligation to comply with the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (Nutritional Regulations).
The nutritional quality of local authority school catering provision is evaluated as part of Education Scotland’s school inspection programme.
Specialist Health and Nutrition Inspectors (HNI) join some school inspection teams to evaluate compliance with the Nutritional Regulations, including the nutritional quality of school meals. This involves engaging with staff and reviewing documentation. In academic year 2023/24 HNI visited 100 schools.
If a school or local authority does not meet the expected standards, HNI provides clear advice on the improvements needed. Local authorities are required to provide evidence to HNI showing how they have addressed any areas of non-compliance