ALL secondary school pupils will be taught how to cook healthy meals under plans put forward by the Government.

Technology classes for 11-14 year-olds will be reviewed by the curriculum watchdog to make sure children understand the links between poor diet and obesity.

Pupils will receive practical cooking lessons so they can learn about the importance of a balanced diet, food safety and hygiene, the Department for Education and Skills said.

The announcement follows Education Secretary Ruth Kelly's promise last week to ban sweets and junk food from school canteens and vending machines in England.

Rules

The Government's school meals review panel is also expected to publish its report today, recommending new rules aimed at cutting levels of sugar, fat and salt in school food.

Currently, learning about food is compulsory at primary school but not at secondary level.

Most secondary schools do teach "food technology" but much of this is theoretical, rather than practical, officials said.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will now review the way food technology is taught and ministers hope the result will be compulsory practical classes for all 11-14 year-olds.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: "As well as providing healthier meals we also need to make sure that young people understand the links between poor nutritional habits and obesity.

Skills

"We believe that all children should be taught food preparation and practical cooking skills in school to ensure that they learn about diet, nutrition, food safety and hygiene.

"This means that children in the future will not only be eating healthier meals in schools but will understand why these meals are healthier.

"They will get the help they need to prepare and cook food - key skills that they will be able to take into adulthood and which will enable them to live healthier, fitter lives."

The issue of school meals rose to national prominence earlier this year after TV chef Jamie Oliver launched a campaign to coincide with his hit Channel 4 series, Jamie's School Dinners.

He demanded more funding from the Government so dinner ladies could have buy better ingredients and his campaign won huge public support.

The Government announced £280 million package of funds over the next three years to improve school meals, including more money for new kitchens and extra cash for ingredients.

How is Ruth Kelly's battle against the bulge shaping up? Have your say.

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