The Live Wire



Press Release

PAT STATEMENT ON FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS

12 June 2006

The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) has given its reaction to media reports that the DfES is considering the issuing of fish oil supplements in schools.

PAT General Secretary Philip Parkin said: “We need to remember that this is still only an idea under consideration by the Government, depending on the outcome of a major review into the effects of fish oil supplements.

“At the moment, it seems that the jury is still out on the benefits of these supplements and so any decision to give them to children must be based on clear scientific evidence that they do have a beneficial effect on children’s learning and behaviour.

“If it is proved that fish oil supplements are of benefit, then it would be a good idea to give them to children in schools, with parents’ permission and with clear guidelines to protect both pupils and school staff in the event of any adverse reaction to the supplements.

“It must be clear who has responsibility for giving the supplements and how they should be taken. It may be the responsibility of support staff rather than teachers.

“"Supplements should not be a substitute for a healthy diet at home or school.”



Press releases, papers and documents published on this page are the intellectual property of an organisation unrelated to Central Lobby. We promote their parliamentary and political campaigning activities as they are subscribers to the Central Lobby service.

As such, Central Lobby does not edit, endorse, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed on this page. The content of press releases and other such types of content are the responsibility of the originating organisation.

Voice: the union for education professionals

More from Dods

© Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd