Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
The Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Measure 2009 (“the Measure”) was passed by the National Assembly for Wales on 8 July 2009 and received Royal Approval on the 15 October 2009. The overall intention of the Measure is to require local authorities and governing bodies to promote healthy eating and drinking by pupils in maintained schools in Wales and to provide for the regulation of food and drink provided in those schools.
Between 31 January and 25 April 2013 the Welsh Government undertook a consultation on the draft Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations. As part of the consultation a Children and Young People’s version was also produced. The consultation provided an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on and inform the draft Regulations. A total of 936 responses were received; 85 respondents completed the adult consultation response form, and 851 respondents completed the children and young people’s consultation response form.
I asked my officials to undertake a thorough analysis of the consultation responses as I wanted to ensure all views were fully considered. The majority of adult respondents are broadly supportive of the draft Regulations; respondents that completed the children and young people’s response form were more divided in their views. The summary of responses document has been published alongside this written statement.
It is the intention that the Regulations come into force in all maintained settings in September 2013.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.
My officials are currently considering the responses received and I will issue a further Ministerial Statement detailing any amendments to the draft Regulations in due course.