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Abstract Background Many countries have introduced school food standards to improve the dietary intakes of school-aged children. England has school food standards (SFS) legislation in place but little is known about how well secondary schools comply with this. We aimed to assess compliance with the SFS legislation in English secondary schools and explore the impact of the SFS on pupils’ nutritional intake. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with English secondary schools from 2019 to 2022. We compared SFS compliance and pupil nutritional intake in schools mandated or not mandated to comply with the SFS legislation, and explored the association between school compliance and pupil nutritional intake. We assessed the percentage of SFS (%SFS) complied with by reviewing school food menus and observing food served in school canteens. We assessed pupil nutritional intake using a 24-hour dietary recall measure (Intake24) and estimated intakes of free sugar (primary outcome) and other nutrients/foods. We used adjusted multilevel models to compare pupil intakes in the SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated schools, and to explore the association between school SFS compliance and pupil intakes. Results 36 schools (23 not mandated and 13 mandated to comply with the SFS) and 2,273 pupils participated. The median %SFS complied with was 63.9% (interquartile range 60.0–70.0%). This was similar for SFS-non-mandated (64.5%) and SFS-mandated schools (63.3%). Compliance was highest for standards applying to lunchtime (median = 81.3%) and lowest for those applying across the whole school day (median = 41.7%). It was also lower for standards restricting high fat, sugar and energy-dense items (median = 26.1%) than for standards aiming to increase dietary variety (median = 92.3%). Pupils from SFS-mandated schools had a lower mean lunchtime intake of free sugar (g) (adjusted mean difference: -2.78g; 95% CI: -4.66g to -0.90g). There were few significant associations between %SFS complied with and pupil nutritional intake. Conclusions English secondary schools do not fully comply with SFS legislation regardless of whether they are mandated to comply. Schools and caterers may require monitoring and support to fully comply. There is little evidence that SFS compliance is associated with better pupil nutritional intake. Food environments outside of school also need to be considered. Study registration ISRCTN68757496 (17-10-2019).

Background School food standards are a legal requirement for state-funded schools in England and are designed to promote healthy eating in pupils. However, state-funded academies/free schools established between 2010 and 2014 are exempt from this legislation. To complement the school food standards, the government launched the School Food Plan in 2013, which outlines voluntary actions that schools can take to support healthy eating and increase school meal uptake. There has been little evaluation of the school food standards and School Food Plan in secondary schools. Objectives To compare implementation and costs of the school food standards and School Food Plan, and pupil dietary and dental outcomes in two groups of secondary schools: those mandated and those not mandated to comply with the school food standards legislation. Methods An observational, multiple-methods study. We sampled state-funded secondary school academies/free schools, pupils aged 11–15 years, and school staff/governors with a role in food provision/education from the Midlands. We collected qualitative data in four schools. The primary outcome was pupil free sugar intake at lunch; across the school day; and during 24-hours. Secondary outcomes were additional nutritional outcomes and dental caries measures. We assessed school food standards/School Food Plan implementation and costs using researcher observation, document analysis, and surveys with staff/governors, schools and pupils. Dietary intake and dental outcomes were measured online using 24-hour dietary recall and surveys, respectively. In the qualitative study we conducted staff/governor interviews and pupil focus groups in a subsample of schools. We used multilevel analyses to explore variation in pupil outcomes across the school food standards-mandated and school food standards-non-mandated school groups. Data were analysed using the Framework approach. Results Thirty-six schools (13 school food standards-mandated, 23 school food standards-non-mandated), 2453 pupils and 151 staff/governors participated. On average, schools were compliant with 64% of school food standards and implemented 41% of School Food Plan actions, with no differences across school food standards-mandated/non-mandated schools. There was a wide variation in annual costs of the school food standards and School Food Plan reported by schools (mean of £195 per pupil). Pupils in school food standards-mandated schools had lower lunch intakes of free sugar than those in school food standards-non-mandated schools (adjusted mean difference = –2.78 g, 95% confidence interval –4.66 to –0.90 g). After further adjustment for total energy intake, there was no significant difference in free sugar intake, but the school food standards-mandated group had lower fruit and vegetable intake at all time points, and higher consumption of confectionery during the school day and sugar-sweetened beverages over 24 hours. There were no differences in dental outcomes between the two groups. Twenty-one staff/governors and 137 pupils participated in the qualitative study. Staff described balancing school food standards compliance with conflicting priorities related to financial viability. Some pupils felt that school food did not meet their needs for convenience, speed, value for money and taste, and disliked the lunchtime experience. Little time was afforded to healthy-eating education within the curriculum. Limitations There were large numbers of missing data for some study elements, including assessment of some School Food Plan actions and cost data. Conclusions In the secondary school context, the current school food standards are difficult to comply with and the School Food Plan has not achieved the desired outcomes. We found no evidence to show that school food standards legislation has positively influenced nutritional intake. Future research We need to develop healthy secondary-school food provision models that meet pupils’ preferences, and better understand how to situate the food and healthy-eating agenda in secondary schools. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN68757496. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: 17/92/39) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 12, No. 12. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information. Plain language summary Why have we done this research? We wanted to find out how well secondary schools meet the school food standards in England and how these standards influence the dietary intake and dental health of pupils. We also wanted to explore how secondary schools provide other ways of supporting pupils’ healthy eating. What did we do? We compared schools that are required to meet the school food standards with those that are not required to meet them. We looked at school food, menus, and eating environments in 36 secondary schools and did surveys with 151 staff/governors. We asked 2453 secondary school pupils about their diet and dental health. We held interviews with 21 staff/governors and focus groups with 137 pupils at four schools. We gathered their views on school food and healthy eating. What did we find? On average, the schools met 64% of the school food standards, regardless of whether they were required to meet them. Pupils in the schools required to meet the standards had lower intakes of sugar and calories at lunchtime than pupils in the schools not required to meet them; however, they ate less fruit and vegetables. Pupils in the schools required to meet the standards ate more confectionery during the school day and drank more sugary drinks overall. There were no differences in the dental health of pupils in the two school groups. School staff told us that some standards were difficult to meet. Catering staff had to think about pupil preferences and financial considerations, as well as the school food standards. Some pupils felt that school food did not meet their needs and preferences. Some pupils disliked the lunchtime experience. Healthy-eating education was not very visible within the curriculum. What does this mean? Secondary schools are struggling to meet the school food standards and implement actions to support healthy eating. We found no evidence to show that the school food standards have improved dietary intake in secondary school pupils. Scientific summary Background National school food standards (SFS) legislation has been in place since 2006. In 2013, the School Food Plan (SFP) was introduced, which contained recommendations for schools to support healthy eating. Following this, in 2015, the government introduced updated SFS legislation. Evaluation of the impact of the 2006 SFS on nutritional intake has focused on primary school-aged children, and evidence relating to secondary school pupils is more limited. To the best of our knowledge, implementation of the updated SFS and the SFP, and their impact on pupil nutritional intake, has not been evaluated in secondary schools. The national SFS legislation applies to state-funded schools in England, except for academies and free schools established between 2010 and 2014. The exemption of these schools provided an opportunity to compare implementation of the SFS and SFP, pupil nutritional intake, and dental health between schools that are mandated and schools that are not mandated to comply with the SFS. However, exempt schools have been encouraged to voluntarily comply with the standards, and in the last 18 months of this study there has been a government expectation that all schools, regardless of their exemption status, should comply with the SFS. Despite their legislative status, there are no formal national arrangements for monitoring or reporting schools’ compliance with the SFS. Objectives The three research objectives were: in secondary schools either mandated (SFS-mandated) or not mandated (SFS-non-mandated) to comply with the national SFS legislation, to compare – school food provision and compliance with the SFS the school food environment/culture and the food curriculum, and implementation of the SFP actions the nutritional intake and dental health of school pupils, focusing on free sugar intake as the primary outcome the costs of food provision, food curriculum delivery and other measures to influence the school food culture and environment. to explore the variation in compliance with the SFS and implementation of SFP actions in secondary schools and use this to develop a typology of schools to use the developed school typology to explore associations between the school types and pupil dietary and dental outcomes. Methods We conducted an observational, multiple-methods study comprising two phases: (1) collecting a variety of data to assess school SFS/SFP implementation, pupil dietary intake and dental outcomes in SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated schools and (2) a qualitative case study with four school sites to understand the experiences of schools in implementing and embedding the SFS and SFP. In addition, we undertook an economic evaluation to assess how the costs and outcomes compared across SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated schools. State-funded secondary school academies/free schools were sampled from the Midlands, England, using a stratified sampling approach. Pupils were sampled from one class in each of years 7 (age 11–12 years), 9 (age 13–14 years) and 10 (age 14–15 years) in participating schools. School staff and governors with a role in food provision or education were also recruited. Schools were recruited by invitation, and for participating in the study they received a £300 payment and a report detailing the school’s implementation of the SFS/SFP. Case study schools received an additional £150. Written, informed consent was provided by all participants. Parents of invited pupils provided passive consent for their child’s participation. Pupils were given a £5 voucher as a thank-you for their participation. Data collection was guided by a logic model and was undertaken at the school and pupil level. It incorporated assessment of food provision (to assess compliance with the SFS); the school food culture, curriculum and environment (to assess implementation of the SFP actions); costs related to food provision and the food culture/curriculum/environment; school contextual data; and pupil nutritional and dental outcomes. School food standards and School Food Plan implementation Assessment of SFS implementation was guided by published checklists and comprised a 1-day researcher observation of all school mealtimes and food outlets and a review of school menus. Assessment of implementation of SFP actions was guided by published resources for schools and comprised researcher observation, document analysis, and surveys to schools, staff and pupils. Compliance with each SFS was judged as a binary yes/no, and level of implementation of each SFP action was categorised into high, medium or low. The embedding of the SFS and SFP policies overall was assessed through school/catering staff and governor surveys. Contextual data were provided by schools via surveys and/or documents. School-level data were also used to develop a school typology using a two-stage process. In stage 1 we used SFS compliance data to generate school types based on high/medium/low compliance with two sets of standards relating to two key dietary patterns: (1) food/drinks that are energy-dense and/or high in fat or sugar; and (2) variety/balance of food groups. In stage 2, we identified subtypes based on the implementation of selected SFP actions. Pupil outcomes The primary outcome was pupil free sugar intake (defined as all sugars added to foods by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, and natural sugars found in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices). Secondary nutritional outcomes were percentage of total energy intake (TEI) from free sugars; TEI (kcal); total fat intake (g); fibre intake (g); number of portions of fruit and vegetables (F&V) consumed; number of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumed; number of confectionery items consumed; and number of foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) consumed. These nutritional outcomes were calculated for three time periods: the school day lunch; while present at school; and during the full 24-hour period of the same school day. Additional secondary nutritional outcomes were free sugar intake providing ˃ 5% of 24-hour TEI; consumption of five or more portions of F&V during a 24-hour period; and number of eating/drinking occasions (excluding plain water) during a 24-hour period. Dental outcomes were the presence of dental caries symptoms in the previous 3 months; the number of dental caries symptoms in the previous 3 months; and past dental caries treatment. Data on nutritional outcomes were collected by pupil self-report using an online 24-hour dietary recall (Intake24), with one or two recalls per participant on non-consecutive school days. Dental outcome data and sociodemographic data were collected by pupil self-report using online surveys. Postcodes were mapped to Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2019 scores and used to obtain water fluoridation levels at participants’ homes. Linear or Poisson multilevel models were used to explore differences in pupil outcomes across the SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated school groups. The models were adjusted for relevant school-level and pupil-level variables. We explored two-way interaction effects between school SFS-mandated/non-mandated status and lunch source (school-provided vs. obtained from elsewhere), year group and IMD group. We conducted exploratory analyses to compare pupil outcomes across identified school types. Statistical analyses were conducted in Stata version 17 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA). Economic evaluation The economic evaluation took the form of a micro-costing and a cost–consequences analysis. Costs to schools associated with school food were collected via a school survey. In addition, public data on catering expenditure were used to supplement the analysis. Pupil expenditure on school food was collected through the online surveys. Outcomes were pupil dietary intake and dental health (detailed above); pupil health-related quality of life (HRQoL), measured via the online surveys using the Child Health Utility 9-Dimensions tool; and school-level educational outcomes relating to absenteeism and attainment (publicly available). Case study We explored the way in which the SFS, SFP and local school policy or initiatives were introduced, embedded and sustained in the schools, and their perceived influence on the dietary intake of pupils. We selected four schools from the phase 1 sample based on their SFS-mandated/non-mandated status, the percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM), and their catering model. We conducted four to six interviews per school with relevant staff/governors and three focus groups with pupils from years 7, 9 and 10. All interviews/focus groups were thematically analysed using the Framework approach. Public involvement At multiple time points, we consulted with public representatives (young people, parents and school staff/governors), who advised on participant information, recruitment, data collection tools, interpretation of the findings and dissemination. Results Thirty-six schools participated (SFS-mandated, n = 13; SFS-non-mandated, n = 23) and 2453 pupil participants provided nutritional and/or dental outcome data (SFS-mandated, n = 836; SFS-non-mandated, n = 1617). On average, schools were compliant with 64% of SFS, with standards applying to lunchtime provision (average of 81% of standards met) more likely to be implemented than those applied to food provided across the whole school day or outside lunch (average of 43% and 64% standards met, respectively). The standards with low compliance mostly related to the restriction of HFSS foods and drinks. On average, schools implemented 41% of SFP actions to a high level. SFS compliance and SFP implementation were similar across SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated schools. School Food Plan assessment revealed a lack of implementation of actions relating to leadership and oversight on school food, engagement (with pupils, parents and the community) and catering practices (catering staff encouraging healthy behaviours and nutritional balance) in the majority of schools. Implementation of actions relating to the lunchtime experience was variable; for example, most schools (77%) had strategies in place to reduce queuing, but many schools (58%) did not ask for feedback on the lunchtime experience from their pupils. Curricular education relating to food and healthy eating was well implemented in most schools, but education around growing and extracurricular food education was not. Specifically relating to leadership and oversight on school food, governor leadership and engagement with school food, independent checking of compliance of the school with the SFS and governor review of school food uptake data were actions that were poorly implemented across schools (implemented to a low level in 64%, 79% and 74% schools, respectively). None of the governors responding to the staff/governor survey reported that they were involved in managing or overseeing the implementation of the SFS, and only 31% of senior leader respondents stated that they were involved. Compared with pupils in SFS-non-mandated schools and adjusting for other variables, pupils in SFS-mandated schools had lower free sugar intake (–2.78 g, 95% CI –4.66 to –0.90 g) and lower TEI (54.97 kcal; 95% CI –88.87 to –21.07 kcal) at lunch, but there was no significant difference in the percentage of energy intake from free sugars. When TEI was adjusted for, compared with pupils in SFS-non-mandated schools, pupils in SFS-mandated schools had a significantly lower intake of F&V at lunch (–0.20 portions; 95% CI –0.32 to –0.08 portions), during the school day and over 24 hours. There was also significantly higher consumption of confectionery during the school day and SSB over 24 hours in the SFS-mandated schools group than in the SFS-non-mandated school group, when TEI was adjusted for. Participants who had a 100% school-provided lunch had lower lunchtime free sugar, TEI, fat, fibre and F&V intake. There were no significant differences in dental outcomes between the SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated school groups, and no clear interaction effects between school SFS-mandated/non-mandated status and lunch source, IMD group or year group. We identified four school types based on SFS compliance and two further subtypes based on SFP implementation in stages 1 and 2 of our school typology development. We noted some differences in pupil nutritional outcomes across the four school types. Compared with type 1 schools (low implementation of obesity/dental health-related SFS and high implementation of dietary variety-related SFS), pupils in the type 2 school (medium implementation of both sets of SFS) had a lower percentage of TEI from free sugar at lunch (–8.12%, 95% CI –14.48% to –1.76%) but higher consumption of confectionery items during the school day [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 5.59]. Pupils in the type 4 school (high implementation of obesity/dental health-related SFS and dietary variety-related SFS) had a higher consumption of confectionery items at lunch than those in type 1 schools (IRR 2.15, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.98). Twenty-two schools contributed data on costs related to food (SFS-mandated, n = 6; SFS-non-mandated, n = 16). Annual ongoing costs of food provision from a societal perspective included costs to schools, costs to catering providers and volunteer time, and ranged from £8500 to £974,563, with a mean of £207,094. The annual ongoing costs per pupil (from a societal perspective) ranged from £9 to £982, with a mean of £195 (based on the total number of pupils). Staff costs constituted the largest cost category. The average annual ongoing costs of implementing and delivering the SFS and SFP and of food provision was lower in SFS-mandated schools than in SFS-non-mandated schools (£167 vs. £206 per pupil). SFS-mandated schools also reported spending slightly less on catering, on average, than SFS-non-mandated schools (£128 vs. £133 per pupil, based on the total number of pupils). Pupils in SFS-mandated schools reported slightly higher HRQoL than pupils in SFS-non-mandated schools (0.8302 vs. 0.8274); however, potential confounding factors were not adjusted for, and there was variation in the number of missing HRQoL data across SFS-mandated/non-mandated groups. Twenty-one staff/governors and 137 pupils from 4 schools participated in the qualitative case study phase, with variation across the schools in relation to FSM eligibility (9–53%), SFS-mandated/non-mandated status (50% SFS-mandated) and catering model (50% external). Schools described patchy implementation of the SFS, acknowledging that some standards were difficult to adhere to, especially at breakfast/breaktime. Staff described balancing SFS compliance with conflicting priorities around maintaining viable levels of school food uptake, cost/profit and pupil preferences. Drivers of pupils’ food choices included convenience, speed, perceived value for money and taste. Some pupils felt that these were not met by school food and described negative lunchtime experiences, which discouraged a sit-down meal and influenced their eating behaviours. Some school staff felt that their influence on pupils’ food choices was limited, acknowledging difficult social and environmental contexts. School staff/governors had a low awareness of the SFP and generally were not taking steps to implement it. The time dedicated to healthy eating in relevant lessons was perceived to be low, despite staff acknowledging its importance, while pupils felt that healthy-eating education was sporadic. In general, governors reported minimal oversight of school food and SFS compliance. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the current SFS are difficult to comply with in a secondary school context, partly due to the style of food provision (e.g. extensive provision at breakfast/breaktime) and the need to provide foods and drinks to meet the pupils’ demands to ensure school food uptake and financial viability. There is currently a lack of oversight and monitoring of SFS compliance within schools. Our findings also indicate that the SFP has not achieved the desired outcomes in the secondary school setting, which suggests that a different approach may be needed to better support secondary schools in cultivating a healthy-eating culture. Finally, our findings suggest that even when the SFS are relatively well implemented, this may have no beneficial effect on the nutritional intake of pupils or may even lead to marginally worse nutritional intake. Schools need to be considered as only one part of the food system that influences adolescents’ dietary intake, and it is important to address other aspects of this system to substantially influence nutritional intake in this age group. A key focus for future research is to develop alternative models of healthy food provision that better meet the needs of secondary school pupils and to better understand how to situate the food and healthy-eating agenda in secondary schools. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN68757496. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: 17/92/39) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 12, No. 12. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Abstract Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK imposed a national lockdown prompting change to daily routines. Among behaviours impacted by the lockdown, diet and physical activity may be particularly important due to their association with mental health and physical health. The aim of this study was to explore people’s experiences of how lockdown impacted their physical activity, dietary behaviours and mental health, with a view to informing public health promotion. Methods This phenomenological qualitative study used semi-structured telephone interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by the Framework Approach. Results Forty participants (28 female) completed an interview (mean duration: 36 min) between May and July 2020. The overarching themes identified were (i) Disruption (loss of routines, social interaction and cues to physical activity) and (ii) Adaptation (structuring the day, accessing the outdoor environment, finding new ways for social support). The disruption to daily routines altered people’s cues for physical activity and eating; some participants spoke of comfort eating and increased alcohol intake in the early days of lockdown, and how they consciously tried to change these when restrictions lasted longer than first anticipated. Others spoke of adapting to the restrictions using food preparation and meals to provide both routine and social time for families. Disruptions from the closure of workplaces resulted in flexible working times for some, allowing for physical activity to be built into the day. In later stages of restrictions, physical activity became an opportunity for social interaction and several participants reported intending to continue to replace sedentary means of socialising (e.g., meeting in cafes) with more active, outdoor activities (e.g., walking) once restrictions were lifted. Staying active and building activity into the day was seen as important to support physical and mental health during the challenging times of the pandemic. Conclusions Whilst many participants found the UK lockdown challenging, adaptations to cope with the restrictions presented some positive changes related to physical activity and diet behaviours. Helping people sustain their new healthier activities since restrictions have lifted is a challenge but presents an opportunity for public health promotion.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to the UK government enforcing lockdown restrictions to control virus transmission. Such restrictions present opportunities and barriers for physical activity and healthy eating. Emerging research suggests that in the early stages of the pandemic, physical activity levels decreased, consumption of unhealthy foods increased, while levels of mental distress increased. Our aims were to understand patterns of diet, physical activity, and mental health during the first lockdown, how these had changed twelve-months later, and the factors associated with change. Methods An online survey was conducted with UK adults (N = 636; 78% female) during the first national lockdown (May–June 2020). The survey collected information on demographics, physical activity, diet, mental health, and how participants perceived lifestyle behaviours had changed from before the pandemic. Participants who provided contact details were invited to complete a twelve-month follow-up survey (May–June 2021), 160 adults completed the survey at both time-points. Descriptive statistics, T-tests and McNemar Chi Square statistics were used to assess patterns of diet, physical activity, and mental health at baseline and change in behaviours between baseline and follow-up. Linear regression models were conducted to explore prospective associations between demographic and psycho-social variables at baseline with change in healthy eating habit, anxiety, and wellbeing respectively. Results Between baseline and follow-up, healthy eating habit strength, and the importance of and confidence in eating healthily reduced. Self-rated health (positively) and confidence in eating healthily (negatively) were associated with change in healthy eating habit. There were no differences between baseline and follow-up for depression or physical activity. Mean anxiety score reduced, and wellbeing increased, from baseline to follow-up. Living with children aged 12–17 (compared to living alone) was associated with an increase in anxiety, while perceiving mental health to have worsened during the first lockdown (compared to staying the same) was associated with reduced anxiety and an increase in mental wellbeing. Conclusions While healthy eating habits worsened in the 12 months since the onset of the pandemic, anxiety and mental wellbeing improved. However, anxiety may have increased for parents of secondary school aged children.

Abstract Background Childhood obesity prevalence continues to be at high levels in the United Kingdom (UK). South Asian children (mainly Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin) with excess adiposity are at particular risk from the cardiovascular consequences of obesity. Many community-based children’s weight management programmes have been delivered in the UK, but none have been adapted for diverse cultural communities. The aim of the Child weigHt mANaGement for Ethnically diverse communities (CHANGE) study, was to culturally adapt an existing children’s weight management programme for children aged 4–11 years so that the programme was more able to meet the needs of families from South Asian communities. Methods The adaptation process was applied to First Steps, an evidence informed programme being delivered in Birmingham (a large, ethnically diverse city). A qualitative study was undertaken to obtain the views of South Asian parents of children with excess weight, who had fully or partially attended, or who had initially agreed but then declined to attend the First Steps programme. The resulting data were integrated with current research evidence and local programme information as part of a cultural adaptation process that was guided by two theoretical frameworks. Results Interviews or focus groups with 31 parents in their preferred languages were undertaken. Themes arising from the data included the need for convenient timing of a programme in a close familiar location, support for those who do not speak English, the need to focus on health rather than weight, nutritional content that focuses on traditional and Western diets, more physical activity content, and support with parenting skills. The data were mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and Typology of Cultural Adaptation to develop an intervention programme outline. The research evidence and local programme information was then used in the detailed planning of the programme sessions. Conclusions The process of cultural adaptation of an existing children’s weight management programme resulted in a theoretically underpinned programme that is culturally adapted at both the surface and deep structural levels. Trial registration ISRCTN81798055, registered: 13/05/2014.

Objective We aimed to examine the association between food and physical activity environments in primary schools and child anthropometric, healthy eating and physical activity measures.Design Observational longitudinal study using data from a childhood obesity prevention trial.Setting State primary schools in the West Midlands region, UK.Participants 1392 pupils who participated in the WAVES (West Midlands ActiVe lifestyle and healthy Eating in School children) childhood obesity prevention trial (2011–2015).Primary and secondary outcome measures School environment (exposure) was categorised according to questionnaire responses indicating their support for healthy eating and/or physical activity. Child outcome measures, undertaken at three time points (ages 5–6, 7–8 and 8–9 years), included body mass index z-scores, dietary intake (using a 24-hour food ticklist) and physical activity (using an Actiheart monitor over 5 days). Associations between school food and physical activity environment categories and outcomes were explored through multilevel models.Results Data were available for 1304 children (94% of the study sample). At age 8–9 years, children in 10 schools with healthy eating and physical activity-supportive environments had a higher physical activity energy expenditure than those in 22 schools with less supportive healthy eating/physical activity environments (mean difference=5.3 kJ/kg body weight/24 hours; p=0.05). Children in schools with supportive physical activity environments (n=8) had a lower body mass index z-score than those in schools with less supportive healthy eating/physical activity environments (n=22; mean difference=−0.17, p=0.02). School food and physical activity promoting environments were not significantly associated with dietary outcomes.Conclusions School environments that support healthy food and physical activity behaviours may positively influence physical activity and childhood obesity.Trial registration number ISRCTN97000586.

Introduction Excess free sugar intake is associated with obesity and poor dental health. Adolescents consume substantially more free sugar than is recommended. National (UK) School Food Standards (SFS) are in place but are not mandatory in all schools, and their impact on the diets of secondary school pupils is unknown. We aim to evaluate how SFS and wider healthy eating recommendations (from the national School Food Plan (SFP)) are implemented in secondary schools and how they influence pupils’ diets and dental health.Methods and analysis Secondary-level academies/free schools in the West Midlands, UK were divided into two groups: SFS mandated and SFS non-mandated. Using propensity scores to guide sampling, we aim to recruit 22 schools in each group. We will compare data on school food provision and sales, school food culture and environment, and the food curriculum from each group, collected through: school staff, governor, pupil, parent surveys; school documents; and observation. We will explore the implementation level for the SFS requirements and SFP recommendations and develop a school food typology. We aim to recruit 1980 pupils aged 11–15 years across the 44 schools and collect dietary intake (24-hour recall) and dental health data through self-completion surveys. We will compare free sugar/other dietary intake and dental health across the two SFS groups and across the identified school types. School type will be further characterised in 4–8 case study schools through school staff interviews and pupil focus groups. Evaluation of economic impact will be through a cost-consequence analysis and an exploratory cost–utility analysis.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Birmingham Ethical Review Committee (ERN_18-1738). Findings will be disseminated to key national and local agencies, schools and the public through reports, presentations, the media and open access publications.Trial registration number ISRCTN 68757496 (registered 17 October 2019).

Abstract Background Community-based programmes for children with excess weight are widely available, but few have been developed to meet the needs of culturally diverse populations. We adapted an existing children’s weight management programme, focusing on Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. We report the evaluation of this programme to assess feasibility of programme delivery, acceptability of the programme to participants from diverse communities, and feasibility of methods to inform a future trial. Methods A cluster-randomised feasibility trial was undertaken in a large UK city. Children’s weight management programmes (n = 24) were randomised to be delivered as the adapted or the standard programme (2:1 ratio). Routine data on participant attendance (n = 243) at the sessions were used to estimate the proportion of families completing the adapted and standard programmes (to indicate programme acceptability). Families planning to attend the programmes were recruited to participate in the feasibility study (n = 92). Outcome data were collected from children and parents at baseline, end of programme, and 6 months post-programme. A subsample (n = 24) of those attending the adapted programme participated in interviews to gain their views of the content and delivery and assess programme acceptability. Feasibility of programme delivery was assessed through observation and consultation with facilitators, and data on costs were collected. Results The proportion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi families and families of all ethnicities completing the adapted programme was similar: 78.8% (95% CI 64.8–88.2%) and 76.3% (95% CI 67.0–83.6%) respectively. OR for completion of adapted vs. standard programme was 2.40 (95% CI 1.32–4.34, p = 0.004). The programme was feasible to deliver with some refinements, and participant interview data showed that the programme was well received. Study participant recruitment was successful, but attrition was high (35% at 6 months). Data collection was mostly feasible, but participant burden was high. Data collection on cost of programme delivery was feasible, but costs to families were more challenging to capture. Conclusions This culturally adapted programme was feasible to deliver and highly acceptable to participants, with increased completion rates compared with the standard programme. Consideration should be given to a future trial to evaluate its clinical and cost-effectiveness. Trial registration ISRCTN81798055, registered: 13/05/2014

Background: More men than women in the UK are living with overweight or obesity, but men are less likely to engage with weight loss programmes. Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids is an effective Australian weight management programme that targets fathers, who participate with their primary school-aged children. Behavioural interventions do not always transfer between contexts, so an adaptation of the Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids programme to an ethnically diverse UK setting was trialled. Objectives: To adapt and test the Australian Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids programme for delivery to men in an ethnically diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged UK setting. Design: Phase 1a studied the cultural adaptation of the Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids programme and was informed by qualitative data from fathers and other family members, and a theoretical framework. Phase 1b was an uncontrolled feasibility trial. Phase 2 was a randomised controlled feasibility trial. Setting: Two ethnically diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged UK cities. Participants: In phase 1a, participants were parents and family members from black and minority ethnic groups and/or socioeconomically deprived localities. In phases 1b and 2, participants were fathers with overweight or obesity and their children aged 4–11 years. Interventions: The adapted Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids intervention comprised nine sessions that targeted diet and physical activity and incorporated joint father–child physical activity. Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids was delivered in two programmes in phase 1b and four programmes in phase 2. Those in the comparator arm in phase 2 received a family voucher to attend a local sports centre. Main outcome measures: The following outcomes were measured: recruitment to the trial, retention, intervention fidelity, attendance, feasibility of trial processes and collection of outcome data. Results: Forty-three fathers participated (intervention group, n = 29) in phase 2 (48% of recruitment target), despite multiple recruitment locations. Fathers’ mean body mass index was 30.2 kg/m2 (standard deviation 5.1 kg/m2); 60.2% were from a minority ethnic group, with a high proportion from disadvantaged localities. Twenty-seven (63%) fathers completed follow-up at 3 months. Identifying sites for delivery at a time that was convenient for the families, with appropriately skilled programme facilitators, proved challenging. Four programmes were delivered in leisure centres and community venues. Of the participants who attended the intervention at least once (n = 20), 75% completed the programme (attended five or more sessions). Feedback from participants rated the sessions as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ and participants reported behavioural change. Researcher observations of intervention delivery showed that the sessions were delivered with high fidelity. Conclusions: The intervention was well delivered and received, but there were significant challenges in recruiting overweight men, and follow-up rates at 3 and 6 months were low. We do not recommend progression to a definitive trial as it was not feasible to deliver the Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids programme to fathers living with overweight and obesity in ethnically diverse, socioeconomically deprived communities in the UK. More work is needed to explore the optimal ways to engage fathers from ethnically diverse socioeconomically deprived populations in research. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN16724454. Funding: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 8, No. 2. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Objective To assess (1) the feasibility of delivering a culturally adapted weight management programme, Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids United Kingdom (HDHK-UK), for fathers with overweight or obesity and their primary school-aged children, and (2) the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT).Design A two-arm, randomised feasibility trial with a mixed-methods process evaluation.Setting Socioeconomically disadvantaged, ethnically diverse localities in West Midlands, UK.Participants Fathers with overweight or obesity and their children aged 4–11 years.Intervention Participants were randomised in a 1:2 ratio to control (family voucher for a leisure centre) or intervention comprising 9 weekly healthy lifestyle group sessions.Outcomes Feasibility of the intervention and RCT was assessed according to prespecified progression criteria: study recruitment, consent and follow-up, ability to deliver intervention, intervention fidelity, adherence and acceptability, weight loss, using questionnaires and measurements at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and through qualitative interviews.Results The study recruited 43 men, 48% of the target sample size; the mean body mass index was 30.2 kg/m2 (SD 5.1); 61% were from a minority ethnic group; and 54% were from communities in the most disadvantaged quintile for socioeconomic deprivation. Recruitment was challenging. Retention at follow-up of 3 and 6 months was 63%. Identifying delivery sites and appropriately skilled and trained programme facilitators proved difficult. Four programmes were delivered in leisure centres and community venues. Of the 29 intervention participants, 20 (69%) attended the intervention at least once, of whom 75% attended ≥5 sessions. Sessions were delivered with high fidelity. Participants rated sessions as ‘good/very good’ and reported lifestyle behavioural change. Weight loss at 6 months in the intervention group (n=17) was 2.9 kg (95% CI −5.1 to −0.6).Conclusions The intervention was well received, but there were significant challenges in recruitment, programme delivery and follow-up. The HDHK-UK study was not considered feasible for progression to a full RCT based on prespecified stop–go criteria.Trial registration number ISRCTN16724454.

Background: Excess weight in children is a continuing health issue. Community-based children’s weight management programmes have had some effect in promoting weight loss. Families from minority ethnic communities are less likely to complete these programmes but, to date, no programmes have been culturally adapted to address this. Objectives: We aimed to (1) culturally adapt an existing weight management programme for children aged 4–11 years and their families to make it more suited to Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities but inclusive of all families and (2) evaluate the adapted programme to assess its feasibility and acceptability, as well as the feasibility of methods, for a future full-scale trial. Design: In phase I, a cultural adaptation of a programme that was informed by formative research and guided by two theoretical frameworks was undertaken and in phase II this adapted programme was delivered in a cluster-randomised feasibility study (for which the clusters were the standard and adapted children’s weight management programmes). Setting: Birmingham: a large, ethnically diverse UK city. Participants: In phase I, Pakistani and Bangladeshi parents of children with excess weight, and, in phase II, children aged 4–11 years who have excess weight and their families. Interventions: A culturally adapted children’s weight management programme, comprising six sessions, which was delivered to children and parents, targeting diet and physical activity and incorporating behaviour change techniques, was developed in phase I and delivered in the intervention arm to 16 groups in phase II. The eight groups in the comparator arm received the standard (unadapted) children’s weight management programme. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the proportion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi families completing (attending ≥ 60% of) the adapted programme. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of all families completing the adapted programme, the feasibility of delivery of the programme, the programme’s acceptability to participants, the feasibility of trial processes and the feasibility of collection of outcome and cost data. Results: The proportion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi families and all families completing the adapted programme was 78.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 64.8% to 88.2%] and 76.3% (95% CI 67.0% to 83.6%), respectively. The programme was feasible to deliver with some refinements and was well received. Ninety-two families participated in outcome data collection. Data collection was mostly feasible, but participant burden was high. Data collection on the cost of programme delivery was feasible, but costs to families were more challenging to capture. There was high attrition over the 6-month follow-up period (35%) and differential attrition in the two study arms (29% and 52% in the intervention and comparator arms, respectively). Limitations: The study was not designed to address the issue of low participant uptake of children’s weight management programmes. The design of a future trial may include individual randomisation and a ‘minimal intervention’ arm, the acceptability of which has not been evaluated in this study. Conclusions: The theoretically informed, culturally adapted children’s weight management programme was highly acceptable to children and families of all ethnicities. Consideration should be given to a future trial to evaluate clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the adapted programme, but the design of a future trial would need to address the logistics of data collection, participant burden and study attrition. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN81798055. Funding: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 33. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Kate Jolly is part-funded by the Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West Midlands.

Background: Systematic reviews suggest that school-based interventions can be effective in preventing childhood obesity, but better-designed trials are needed that consider costs, process, equity, potential harms and longer-term outcomes. Objective: To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the WAVES (West Midlands ActiVe lifestyle and healthy Eating in School children) study intervention, compared with usual practice, in preventing obesity among primary school children. Design: A cluster randomised controlled trial, split across two groups, which were randomised using a blocked balancing algorithm. Schools/participants could not be blinded to trial arm. Measurement staff were blind to allocation arm as far as possible. Setting: Primary schools, West Midlands, UK. Participants: Schools within a 35-mile radius of the study centre and all year 1 pupils (aged 5–6 years) were eligible. Schools with a higher proportion of pupils from minority ethnic populations were oversampled to enable subgroup analyses. Interventions: The 12-month intervention encouraged healthy eating/physical activity (PA) by (1) helping teachers to provide 30 minutes of additional daily PA, (2) promoting ‘Villa Vitality’ (interactive healthy lifestyles learning, in an inspirational setting), (3) running school-based healthy cooking skills/education workshops for parents and children and (4) highlighting information to families with regard to local PA opportunities. Main outcome measures: The primary outcomes were the difference in body mass index z-scores (BMI-zs) between arms (adjusted for baseline body mass index) at 3 and 18 months post intervention (clinical outcome), and cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) (cost-effectiveness outcome). The secondary outcomes were further anthropometric, dietary, PA and psychological measurements, and the difference in BMI-z between arms at 27 months post intervention in a subset of schools. Results: Two groups of schools were randomised: 27 in 2011 (n = 650 pupils) [group 1 (G1)] and another 27 in 2012 (n = 817 pupils) [group 2 (G2)]. Primary outcome data were available at first follow-up (n = 1249 pupils) and second follow-up (n = 1145 pupils) from 53 schools. The mean difference (MD) in BMI-z between the control and intervention arms was –0.075 [95% confidence interval (CI) –0.183 to 0.033] and –0.027 (95% CI –0.137 to 0.083) at 3 and 18 months post intervention, respectively. The main analyses showed no evidence of between-arm differences for any secondary outcomes. Third follow-up included data on 467 pupils from 27 G1 schools, and showed a statistically significant difference in BMI-z (MD –0.20, 95% CI –0.40 to –0.01). The mean cost of the intervention was £266.35 per consented child (£155.53 per child receiving the intervention). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio associated with the base case was £46,083 per QALY (best case £26,804 per QALY), suggesting that the intervention was not cost-effective. Limitations: The presence of baseline primary outcome imbalance between the arms, and interschool variation in fidelity of intervention delivery. Conclusions: The primary analyses show no evidence of clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of the WAVES study intervention. A post hoc analysis, driven by findings at third follow-up, suggests a possible intervention effect, which could have been attenuated by baseline imbalances. There was no evidence of an intervention effect on measures of diet or PA and no evidence of harm. Future work: A realist evidence synthesis could provide insights into contextual factors and strategies for future interventions. School-based interventions need to be integrated within a wider societal framework and supported by upstream interventions. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN97000586. Funding: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.