From 2027, schools in England will introduce major changes to school food standards, with the government aiming to improve children's nutrition, wellbeing and learning. The new rules will increase the amount of fresh fruit, vegetables, fibre and wholegrains available in school meals, while deep-fried food will be banned. Chips, for example, will need to be oven-baked.

Sweet desserts such as cake will be limited to once a week in primary schools and twice a week in secondary schools and must be served alongside fruit. Processed meats, including sausages, ham and chicken nuggets, will also be restricted to once a week and accompanied by fruit or vegetables.

Breakfast clubs will also have to follow nutritional standards for the first time. High-sugar cereals and foods such as chocolate spread and pastries will no longer be permitted. Schools will also need to publish their food policies and menus online, with monitoring arrangements being developed.

The reforms are intended to help tackle childhood obesity and improve children's concentration, learning and wellbeing. Supporters argue that nutritious school meals can also reduce financial pressure on families, particularly as free school meal eligibility expands.

However, school leaders have raised concerns about the cost of implementing the changes, catering facilities and the need for staff training. The government says schools will have a year to prepare and that the changes can be implemented using existing funding.

The reforms highlight the important relationship between nutrition, children's development, health and educational outcomes.

1. How might healthier school meals affect children's physical, emotional and cognitive development?

2. Do you think schools should have responsibility for controlling what food children are offered?

3. How might the new school food standards affect families differently?