Welsh schools fail to act on healthy living message

In an overview report, Food and Fitness in Schools, Estyn says almost all schools are giving pupils the chance to learn about healthy living, but that their culture is not necessarily in line with instruction.

Six out of every 10 schools surveyed were providing less than the recommended minimum two hours a week of physical education. And many secondary schools served chips four days a week.

The inspectorate is calling for all schools to increase the take up of free school meals, and monitor how effectively they are able to improve the health of pupils. It also says minimum standards should be introduced for toilets, to encourage children to drink more water.

Bill Maxwell, HM chief inspector of education and training in Wales, said: "Schools are important partners in promoting healthy lifestyles to young people."