There should be easy access at all times to free, fresh drinking water.
What is specified in this standard?
Pupils should have easy access at all times to free, fresh drinking water.
Why this standard needs to be in place
- To help children switch to drinking water with meals instead of less healthy sweetened soft drinks.
- Water promotes hydration and has no calories.
- To promote water availability in schools – children do not have to pay for tap water – as it is a drink which is equally accessible to all.
Does the water have to be chilled?
If water can be chilled then it is more appealing but this is not a requirement of the standard.
Serving suggestions
- Provide jugs of freshly-poured tap water together with cups/glasses on tables and at the serving counter.
- Consider installing a point-of use water cooler which uses mains water.
- Modern water fountains could be an additional water point in the dining room.
Good practice
- Make sure that water is available, easily accessible and is free of charge to all pupils where they are having lunch.
- Signpost water stations in the dining room.
- Give younger children a cup or glass of water or let them carry water bottles.
- Make sure that dining room supervisors direct children to water sources.
- Promote water availability throughout the school, so children do not have to rely on taps in toilets for a drink.
Does this standard apply across the school day?
Yes. There should be easy access at all times of the day to free, fresh drinking water.
