More children set to benefit from free school lunches

After the success of three pilot schemes across England offering free healthy school meals to children, Ed Balls is inviting all local authorities to bid for money to support the scheme in their region.

The pilot schemes began in September 2009 with schools in Durham, Wolverhampton and Newham, and more trials are due for September this year. The feedback gained from the trials will be compiled as evidence for the health and educational benefits of free school meals.

The Government’s pre-budget report in December 2009 confirmed that the scheme would be introduced into one local authority in each region of the country, therefore meaning nine pilot areas would be receiving free school meals for their children.

Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls commented that: ‘We know good health is vital if children are going to enjoy their childhood and achieve their full potential. Eating a nutritious meal at lunchtime from a young age can make eating well a healthy habit for life.

‘Our commitment to invest a further £35 million in these additional universal free school meals pilots will mean thousands of children and their parents will feel the benefit from September.’

All local authorities wishing to participate in the scheme are required to express their interest by 17 February, with final bids to be submitted to the Department for Children, Schools and Families by 12 March 2010. See the Teachernet website for more details about how to express interest in your school joining the scheme.