York’s free school meals pilot reaches milestone

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.