The end of the school dinner: new building regulations cut compulsory kitchens from schools Campaigners said that the new premises rules do not contain these details. Instead, the section which can be related to school food simply says: "School premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein must be maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured." Anne Bull, national chair designate of Laca (Local Authority Caterers Association) said: " As part of the Government's targets for reducing obesity levels and its aim to improve children's health through better diets and lifestyles, school meal providers are expected to prepare nutritious meals from fresh ingredients. Not having kitchen and dining facilities clearly specified within the new school premises regulations shows a worrying contradiction in policy. Complying with nutritional standards of school food is compulsory for all local authority-run schools, Ms Bull said. Under these standards, schools and caterers are required to provide a daily hot meal for pupils, as well as free school meals for those that are eligible. It would be impossible for them to comply with the law without appropriate kitchen and dining facilities being retained by headteachers and also included in the planning for new school builds. The concerns come just a week after ministers revealed new templates for new school buildings which will be up to 15% smaller than those built under the last government. Under the plans, the size of corridors, halls and canteens are reduced, as part of an attempt to help keep down the costs of creating school buildings. The size of a secondary school will be cut by up to 15% and a primary will be cut by up to 5%. A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "Over the years, schools have been overloaded with unclear and sometimes contradictory rules on school buildings. Making sure we have suitable and safe school buildings is paramount. That is why are proposing to streamline the regulations, remove unnecessary duplication and free up schools to take a common sense approach. She added: "These changes simply remove unnecessary duplication that created more work for schools.