This week I highlight a 9 week consultation on School Food Standards, new DfE guidance on how to support transition for children entering Reception and an amendment which is going to be issued to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill to put current non statutory mobile phone guidance on a statutory footing.

School Food Standards consultation
During the Easter break new plans to overhaul school food standards were announced which focus on ensuring children have the nutrition and energy they need across the school day. A nine-week consultation has been launched, with a phased implementation expected from September 2026.

Getting children ready for Reception
New DfE guidance has been published on how to support early, joined up, and inclusive transition practices for children entering Reception. It includes case studies, with practical examples from both schools and early years settings.

Mobile phone guidance to be made statutory
On Monday the Skills Minister Jacqui Smith told the Lords the government will issue an amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill to put existing mobile phone guidance on a statutory footing. While many schools already limit phone use, this change means all schools will have to enforce bans unless there is a legally justifiable reason for them not to do so.