The government has set out plans to improve the standard of school dinners in England.

Under the plans, which Ruth Kelly said would "transform" the quality of lunches, every child will have to be offered a hot meal.

The education secretary announced an extra £220m in funding to raise the amount spent on food per pupil to 50 pence in primary schools and 60 pence in secondaries from September.

Another £60m will go to establish a School Food Trust to advise parents and governing bodies on improving the quality of menus.

The announcement came on the day that Jamie Oliver, the celebrity chef, delivered a petition with 271,677 signatures to Tony Blair at Downing Street demanding more money for school dinners and a ban on junk food in canteens.

Oliver said yesterday that the government’s initiative would "make a difference to every kid in this country".

Nutrition standards will be introduced in September and will be mandatory from next year.

Kelly added that Ofsted would inspect school meals to ensure quality and there would be extra training for dinner ladies.