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<p>Milk is an excellent food for children’s growth and development. This is why, as
part of the School Food Standards, schools must ensure it is available to all pupils
who want it during school hours.</p><p>Providing milk free of charge to pupils who
meet the free school milk criteria is a legislative requirement set out in s512ZB
(3) of the Education Act 1996. Schools may offer milk as many times as they wish.
Under these regulations, free milk must be provided to those pupils who are also registered
for benefits-related free school meals, both when it is offered as part of their school
meal and at all other times. This provision ensures that disadvantaged children can
benefit from free milk during school hours in addition to a free school meal.</p><p>Compliance
with the School Food Regulations 2014 is mandatory for all maintained schools, academies
and free schools. These regulations are mandatory in order to ensure that food provided
to pupils in school is nutritious and of high-quality and to protect those who are
nutritionally vulnerable. The regulations also promote good nutritional health in
all pupils, as well as promoting good eating behaviour.</p><p>School Governors have
a responsibility to ensure compliance and should appropriately challenge the headteacher
and the senior leadership team to ensure the school is meeting its obligations.</p>
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