Big changes are coming to school food.
The Government has announced updated School Food Standards for England, due to come into effect from September 2027, subject to Parliamentary approval. The changes are designed to encourage healthier eating, with more fibre, fruit and vegetables and tighter restrictions on foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
But improving lunchtimes isn’t only about what’s on the plate.
It’s also about creating a dining environment where pupils actually want to sit, eat and spend time together.
More Than Just a School Dinner
The new standards represent a significant change to the way schools approach food. Among the proposed changes are:
- More fruit, vegetables and fibre
- New standards covering school breakfasts
- A ban on deep-fried foods
- Greater use of wholewheat and higher-fibre foods
- Restrictions on processed meats and certain high-fat, sugar and salt foods
- More plant-based options
- A requirement for schools to appoint a lead governor for school food.
13 Key Changes to School Food Standards
1. Honey banned at breakfast
Honey, syrups, chocolate spreads and other sweet spreads will be banned at breakfast, with low-sugar jam the exception.
2. New breakfast rules
Low-sugar cereals and plain porridge are allowed, while pastries and fried potato products are restricted. Crumpets, teacakes and unsweetened pancakes can be served twice a week.
3. Baked beans count as protein
Pulses, baked beans and cheese can now count towards protein requirements, with all main meals required to include a protein source.
4. No more deep-fried foods
Deep-fried foods will be banned. Chips, wedges and hash browns can still be served up to twice a week, provided they’re not deep-fried.
5. More fibre
All pasta dishes must contain at least 50% wholewheat pasta, while bread will need to meet higher fibre requirements.
6. Cheese limited
Meals where cheese is a main ingredient will generally be limited to twice a week, although secondary schools will have additional flexibility during the transition.
7. A governor to oversee school food
Schools will need a lead governor responsible for school food and will be required to publish menus and food policies online.
8. Compliance will be monitored
A new national system will monitor how schools are meeting the food standards, with the DfE working alongside the Food Standards Agency and Ofsted.
9. More flexibility with vegetables
Vegetables included within a dish can count towards requirements, rather than always needing to be served separately.
10. Fruit-only dessert day dropped
Plans requiring primary schools to offer only fruit for dessert one day each week have been scrapped.
11. Sweet treats still allowed
Primary schools can serve sweetened desserts or baked goods once a week, while secondary schools can offer them twice a week.
12. Dessert rules relaxed
Cakes and desserts no longer need to contain 50% fruit or vegetables. Instead, appropriate portions can be included within or served alongside them.
13. More plant-based choices
The standards expand plant-based options, including certain fortified drinks, dairy alternatives and houmous.
With food provision receiving greater attention, it’s a good opportunity for schools to look beyond their menus and consider the whole dining experience.
The Department for Education’s own guidance states that food should be served in a pleasant environment where children can eat with their friends.
And that’s where the right dining furniture can make a real difference.
Is Your Dining Hall Ready for 2027?
For many schools, the dining hall is one of the hardest-working spaces in the building.
Hundreds of pupils may pass through it every day, often within a relatively short lunch period. Furniture needs to be durable, easy to clean, simple for staff to move and, importantly, suitable for the pupils using it.
Older, heavy or poorly configured furniture can make setting up, clearing away and managing busy lunch periods unnecessarily difficult.
Modern school dining furniture can help create a space that is brighter, more welcoming and easier to manage.
At PWD Supplies, we can help schools with a wide range of dining solutions, including mobile folding dining tables, stool and bench seating, convertible dining units and flexible multi-purpose furniture.
Making Better Use of Your Space
Not every school has the luxury of a dedicated dining hall.
For many, the same space might host lunch at midday, PE in the afternoon and an assembly or parents’ evening later that day.
That’s why mobile and folding dining furniture can be so useful.
Tables and seating can be quickly folded, moved and stored, allowing schools to transform spaces without requiring large amounts of staff time. Depending on the solution, schools can also choose different sizes, seating configurations and colours to complement their existing environment.
It’s about finding furniture that works around the school – rather than the school having to work around the furniture.
A Fresh Start for School Dining
The updated food standards are due to arrive from September 2027, with some secondary-school requirements being phased in from September 2028. Schools are already being advised by the Department for Education to review the proposed standards, discuss them with catering providers and consider menus, contracts and procurement arrangements.
That makes now a great time to consider the wider dining environment too.
Could your dining hall accommodate pupils more effectively? Could you reduce the time staff spend setting up and clearing away? Could tired tables and chairs be replaced with something brighter, more practical and easier to maintain?
Sometimes a relatively simple furniture refresh can completely change the feel of a space.
Let PWD Help You Create a Better Dining Space
At PWD Supplies, we help schools find furniture that works for their space, pupils and, most importantly, their budget.
Rather than simply pointing you towards a catalogue, our team can help you explore different dining furniture options and find a solution that suits the way your school actually operates.
Whether you’re planning a complete dining hall refurbishment or simply need to replace a few ageing tables, speak to our Furniture Team.
Planning a dining furniture refresh for 2026/27?
Get in touch and let us do the shopping around for you.
0800 999 5683
hello@pwdsupplies.co.uk
