Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of schools that offer only halal meals; and what assessment they have made of the impact of that policy on children in such schools.

The government sets out required minimum standards in the attached School Food Standards to ensure that children are served healthy, nutritious meals. The standards do not specify food requirements in terms of cultural and religious needs.

Within these standards, headteachers, governors and their caterers are best placed to make decisions about their school food policies. Information on the types of food provided in schools and the number of schools that offer only halal meals is not held centrally.

Schools should act reasonably in their provision of food, providing choices that take account of cultural, religious and special dietary needs, and we expect them to work with parents in making appropriate arrangements. In particular, schools should consult with parents when making changes to school food provision and ensure parents have access to information on the food provided.

Schools may consider providing both halal and non-halal food each day, or ensuring that dishes are clearly labelled to allow pupils to select the appropriate choice.