Head teachers in England are being urged to ban packed lunches to ensure children eat healthy school dinners, the BBC has reported.

Eastern Daily Press: A new report has called for schools to ban packed lunches. Photo credit: Chris Radburn/PA WireA new report has called for schools to ban packed lunches. Photo credit: Chris Radburn/PA Wire

The advice is part of government-commissioned school food review led by the two founders of the Leon restaurant chain and is due to be published today by the Department of Health.

The School Food Plan was set up amid concerns that many youngsters are still being served unhealthy meals, and more needs to be done to boost food standards in all schools.

Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent have spent more than a year working with schools, councils, caterers, parents and the government to put together the review.

It says take-up of school dinners is low at 43pc despite huge quality improvements, and that only 1pc of packed lunches meet the nutritional standards of school food, the BBC said.

Heads are being encouraged to make the price of lunches more affordable.

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