Bids sought for nutrition in schools inspections

Wednesday 9 July 2003

The Agency is looking for nutritionists interested in putting together small teams to inspect schools around the country as part of a joint Agency/Department for Education and Skills (DfES) initiative.

The aim of the initiative is to identify examples of good practice across the whole spectrum of food-related activities in primary schools and early learning settings.

Inspections will be undertaken jointly with Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) inspectors.

Schools provide an excellent opportunity to promote healthier eating to children. Not only can good nutrition messages be conveyed as part of the curriculum, but good habits can be put into practice with healthy options on the school dinner menu, in the tuck shop and at after-school clubs.

Taking this sort of whole-school approach has been found to work. But it isn't always easy. There are challenges and barriers to overcome. For example, children and parents, even members of staff, can sometimes be resistant.

This is why the Agency and DfES want to gather information on exactly what does work. By identifying the successful experiences and healthy eating initiatives carried out by schools around the country, many others will benefit in the future.

If you are interested in carrying out this research for the Food Standards Agency, OFSTED and the DfES, then please submit your application to the FSA. More information is available below.