Briefing Note for Parents and Schools

Exciting Changes to School Meals from November 2026

Monmouthshire Schools Catering Service is pleased to announce the launch of a refreshed school menu from Monday 2 November 2026, following the October half-term break. The new menu will commence on Week 1 of the menu cycle.

These changes have been developed following a comprehensive review of our service and reflect feedback received from pupils, parents, schools, and catering staff.

We Have Listened to Your Valuable Feedback

The updated menu has been shaped by:

• Feedback from the Parent and Pupil Schools Catering Survey
• Feedback from Schools Catering staff
• Analysis of food waste data
• Ongoing engagement with schools

Through this work, we found that pupils would like:

• Greater variety and choice within the menu
• Opportunities to try new foods before selecting them
• Pupils like eating with their friends the most
• Continued access to their favourite and most popular meals

We have taken this valuable feedback on board and incorporated it into the new menu wherever possible.

Changes to Jacket Potatoes and Introduction of Pasta Pots

During the summer, unusually hot and dry weather significantly affected UK potato production. Potatoes stop growing effectively when temperatures exceed 25°C, and the prolonged heat and drought have resulted in reduced crop yields.

Following advice from our suppliers regarding potential impacts on potato availability, we have reviewed our menu and introduced a new pasta pot option.

From 2 November 2026:

• Jacket potatoes will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Pasta pots will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Pasta pot fillings available:

• Chicken Mayo
• Tuna Mayo
• Cheese, Sweetcorn & Mayo
• Tomato & Cheese

This will ensure we can continue to offer a popular and nutritious alternative meal choice every day while maintaining a reliable supply of ingredients.

Updated Healthy Eating Requirements

The Welsh Government has updated the Healthy Eating in Schools Regulations, and these changes will be reflected within our new menu from 2nd November 2026.

Key changes include:

Age-Appropriate Portion Sizes

To meet the nutritional needs of different age groups, meals will now be provided in:

• Infant portion sizes
• Junior portion sizes

Increased Variety of Fruit and Vegetables

Across each school week, pupils will have access to:

• At least four varieties of fruit
• At least six varieties of vegetables

This increase in choice supports healthy eating habits while providing greater variety throughout the week.

Desserts

To align with the updated regulations:

• Cake, biscuit-based and baked desserts will be available twice per week

A range of other healthy dessert options will continue to be available throughout the week.

Our Commitment

Our aim is to provide healthy, nutritious, and enjoyable school meals that pupils want to eat. By listening to feedback and responding to changing regulations and supply considerations, we are continuing to improve the dining experience for all children.

We look forward to introducing the new menu after half term and hope pupils enjoy the increased variety and choice available to them.

If you require any further information, please contact the Schools Catering Team.