Can we exclude pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder from the analysis of an average school lunch?
The standards apply to the overall provision of food and drink, and not to the lunch provided to an individual pupil. All food and drink provided to pupils as lunch provision should be included in the analysis of an average school lunch, including food and drink provided to pupils with special needs such as selective eating due to Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We are aware that manufacturers are responding to the introduction of the standards by the development of new products, including those for special dietary needs. There is a section about special dietary needs in the guide to the nutrient-based standards that includes information about selective eaters and Autistic Spectrum Disorder .
