Free school meals for infants launched in Telford & Wrekin
Telford & Wrekin Council has launched a new government initiative which will see all infant children in state funded schools eligible for free school meals from September.
The launch took place at Wrockwardine Wood Infants School where pupils were joined by councillors as they tucked into a roast dinner to celebrate.
Telford & Wrekin Council has full working kitchens across the borough – unlike many others across the country. All the council’s schools also offer meals for those with allergies or special dietary requirements.
The new government initiative is called Universal Infant Free School Meals and it is aimed at improving academic attainment for infant children and helping families save money.
All children in the reception year and years one and two will be eligible for a free cooked school lunch comprising main course and a pudding at no cost to the parent.
No proof of eligibility is required, it just needs a child to be in one of the relevant three years and their school will arrange for them to have a lunch at on cost to the parent.
All children in years above year two who are currently entitled to free school meals for reasons of low income or receipt of certain benefits will continue to automatically receive free school meals.
There may be other families with older children who may meet the criteria for a free school meal who should apply if they have not already done so. The eligibility criteria can be found at www.telford.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
Every family will be given the school menu which shows the meals that are being prepared on a three week rotation. Menus always reflect the seasons with different vegetables and fruit on offer..
Food served by Telford and Wrekin schools is sourced as locally as possible and prepared in keeping with the School Food Standards guidelines.
All schools have been awarded the Telford and Wrekin Healthy Catering Commitment mark and more than 95 per cent have received five stars on the food hygiene rating scheme.
The launch at Wrockwardine Wood Infants School was attended by Councillor Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, borough mayor Councillor Malcolm Smith and mayoress Christine Smith.
Councillor Watling said: “This is an excellent initiative and it was really good to join the children for lunch.
“We are keen to get the word out so as many families as possible know that they can take advantage of the free meals for their young children
“In Telford and Wrekin, we are absolutely committed to ensuring that all our children have access to wholesome, healthy food and that is demonstrated by our ability to provide free school meals to 100 per cent of the children that are entitled to them from September.”
Wrockwardine Wood Infants head teacher Denise Gardner said: “We were delighted to be chosen to host the launch lunch and look forward to being able to serve up free meals to our younger children. All the children enjoyed themselves on the day.”
The Universal Free School Meals initiative is open to infant pupils in maintained infant and primary schools, free schools, academies and schools for pupils with special educational needs and pupil referral units.
