Laura Sandys MP has today welcomed the news that food education as been included in the draft National Curriculum. Within the new, modernised curriculum the headline section of Design and Technology aims to make sure that pupils “understand food and nutrition and, where possible, have opportunities to learn and cook”. This is a significant step forward for food campaigners, such as Laura Sandys MP, who have been making strong representations to the Government for a number of years in order to ensure that food education is a part of what every child learns.
Speaking after the announcement Laura Sandys MP said, “I am delighted that the Government has recommended that food education should be made a central pillar of Design and Technology teaching in all schools. I have been rigorously campaigning for this inclusion and I think the Government has taken a very positive step by recognising the importance of food in education.”
“Yet my campaign is far from complete. I originally put forward eight policies as part of the Smarter Consumer Commission and there is still five that I would like to see implemented. These policies include being honest with consumers that prices are rising; cracking down on supermarket rip-offs; and monitoring food affordability. It’s high time we placed consumers at the heart of our food policy to help families manage on a budget.”
“However, I believe that food education is one of the most important ways that we as a nation will improve our relationship with food. I am very proud to a support a Government that has today recognised that”.