Written question WQ85554

There are a number of existing guidance documents to support children with food allergies. Going forward, and as we roll-out our universal primary free school meal offer, we will continue to engage with stakeholders to discuss issues such as special diets. We will identify what further support and guidance may be required to help schools fully support children with food allergies.

Under the Education Act 2002 local authorities and governing bodies must make arrangements to ensure their functions are exercised with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in school or another place of learning. This includes supporting children with healthcare needs.

To support local authorities and governing bodies with their legal duties, the Welsh Government published Supporting Learners with Healthcare Needs in 2017, in consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders, including allergy organisations. Quick guides for staff, parents and young people have also been published.

This statutory guidance requires local authorities and education settings in Wales to have a healthcare needs policy in place which should seek to ensure that pupils with any medical condition, including allergies, are properly supported.

Where food is provided by or through the education setting, schools and catering services are expected to give consideration to the dietary needs of learners (for example, those who have diabetes, coeliac disease, allergies, and intolerances) and make reasonable arrangements to offer special food provision.

When a need occurs, education settings should, in advance, provide menus to parents and learners containing a complete list of ingredients and nutritional information with Intolerances or allergens clearly marked.

All local authorities and schools in Wales are also required to adhere to the Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2013. These set out the type of food and drink which may be provided during the school day. The Regulations are accompanied by the Healthy eating in maintained schools statutory guidance. As this guidance is statutory, local authorities need to have clear and justifiable reasons for not adhering to it.

It is my intention to review the Healthy Eating in Schools Regulations, in line with the latest nutritional standards and guidelines, to ensure children continue to be provided with a nutritious meal during the school day. This will provide an opportunity to incorporate a range of modern diets and dietary requirements as appropriate. Engagement and consultation will be an important element of this review and we look forward to working with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the food offered to children at schools is of the best possible quality and nutritional value and considers the dietary needs of learners.