Telford & Wrekin mayor joins pupils for lunch at local school

The new government initiative has seen all infant children in state funded schools eligible for free school meals.

Borough mayor Councillor Malcolm Smith and mayoress Christine joined reception class pupils at Donnington Wood Infant School to get a sample of the tasty fare on offer.

Telford & Wrekin Council has full working kitchens across the borough – unlike many other local authority areas across the country.

All the council’s schools also offer meals for those with allergies or special dietary requirements.

The new scheme 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.

Borough mayor Councillor Malcolm Smith said: “This is a fantastic scheme and it was a special day to meet the children at Donnington Wood Infants.

“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 all the children that are entitled to them.”

Donnington Wood Infants head teacher Caroline Boddy said: “We were delighted to welcome Councillor Smith and the mayoress to our school and I am pleased they enjoyed themselves.

“The free school meals scheme has already been extremely well received and I believe we serve up quality food to our children. Having a tasty lunch improves concentration levels and behaviour so its got to be a good thing.”

The Universal Infant 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.