To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) assisted into links between children’s educational performance and their diet. (244260)

The Department has not commissioned research to examine the links between children’s educational performance and their diet.

We are aware of research conducted by other organisations, including a review of literature by the Centre for the Wider Benefits of Learning (and a recent study using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) which has examined the relationship between diet and school outcomes.

While the Wider Benefits of Learning study on nutrition and school outcomes was not commissioned by the Department, it was published as part of the Department’s research series. Both studies have found that a poor diet has negative implications for attainment.

The School Food Trust which is funded by the Department has commissioned research to examine the impact of improved food and dining environment on pupils’ behaviour in the classroom.