Home / York’s free school meals pilot reaches milestone
York’s free school meals pilot reaches milestone
EB News: 23/07/2024 - 10:33
A pilot to give key Stage 2 pupils in Westfield Primary Community School free school meals has reached its six month milestone.
The pilot by City of York Council is part of its commitment to work towards York becoming an anti-poverty city.
All pupils at Burton Green Primary School have also been able to receive a free breakfast each morning since February, thanks to donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.
Head teacher at Burton Green Primary School, Ash McGann, highlighted the difference the healthy, free breakfasts are already making at the school, helping children to transition calmly from home to school and having a positive impact on attendance.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: "It’s fantastic to reach the 6-month milestone and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in York by working in partnership.
“Supporting our residents during the cost of living crisis and tackling disadvantage are priorities for our administration and exploring the benefits of free school meals through these pilot projects is a key part of that commitment."
Cllr Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "All the evidence suggests that providing children with healthy, nourishing food can make a significant difference to school attendance, concentration and their physical and mental wellbeing.
"While we recognise that there is more to do to roll this out to all our schools, the 6-month anniversary of the pilots is an important milestone. Thank you to all our partners across the city who’ve made this possible.”
The impact of the pilots will be evaluated by researchers from the Universities of Leeds and York, with results expected later this year.
Schools in England could face an annual shortfall of £310 million in covering the cost of free school meals unless urgent action is taken, according to a new report led by Northumbria University.
Spending on educational support for children with high needs has risen sharply in recent years, creating unsustainable financial pressure on both local authorities and central government, new analysis warns.
The Always Active Uniform is a flexible, comfortable school uniform including active footwear, designed to support spontaneous movement and daily activity throughout the school day.
The Welsh Government has agreed to continue a licensing deal which will give all learners at Welsh state schools free access to Microsoft 365 at school and at home.
Schools will play a greater role in ensuring every pupil has a clear post-16 destination, with a new approach to a guaranteed college or FE provider place available as a safety net being tested.