Guidance
School food standards: practical guide and resources for schools
Practical guide and resources to help schools plan and provide healthy food in schools.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This guidance explains how to apply the school food standards and make sure healthy options are always available for pupils.
It is intended for all schools and caterers and will help with the provision of healthy food in schools.
Information includes:
- a practical guide
- guidance on food portion sizes for primary and secondary schools
- guidance on preparing varied and tasty menus
- school lunch checklist
- school food other than lunch checklist
- a school food standards poster
Subject to Parliamentary approval, the guidance will be updated for the academic year beginning in September 2027. For more information, refer to:
- School food standards 2027: resources for primary schools
- School food standards 2027: resources for secondary schools
Updates to this page
Published 14 September 2026