JFS, Europe's largest Jewish school, has agreed a "major change" in its eating arrangements by allowing children to bring packed lunches from the start of the new term in September.

Debby Lipkin, executive head, and Simon Appleman, acting head - who have taken charge following the resignation of headteacher Jonathan Miller last month - notified parents of the new policy last week.

While the United Synagogue-linked school in Kenton, north-west London, would continue to serve hot and cold milk or parev meals, they had listened to feedback from parents and pupils and decided to permit packed lunches.

"We remain committed to ensuring that the food our children eat within school is both kosher and healthy and we will be requesting your support to ensure that this continues," they wrote.

"We are placing a great deal of trust in students that they will adhere to the guidelines we provide and wish to make clear that the choice to bring in packed lunch is a privilege rather than a right."

Members of the Jewish studies department will lead sessions to make children aware of kashrut requirements, with the support of the US kashrut authority and the London Beth Din.

But one parent questioned whether the school would be able to police the new policy. "I am sure that the rule has not been changed under pressure from the most Orthodox, rather than the most lax in kashrut," he wrote to JFS. "Are these people all of a sudden going to be more kosher for the benefit of the school?"

David Collins, executive director of the US's youth division, Tribe, said: "The US supports JFS as they look to make the best possible provision for their pupils".