Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that in total 5,819 children in York will benefit from the introduction of universal Free School Meals when term begins next week.

All reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils will now get their meals paid for under the scheme, which was first announced by the Liberal Democrats in 2013.

Although some children previously qualified for school meals, some do not take them due to the stigma, and others who don’t qualify struggle to afford them.

Research and pilot schemes in places such as Durham and Wolverhampton show that introducing universal free school meals leads to positive improvements in health, attainment and social cohesion, as well as helping families with the cost of living.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children, Education and Young People, commented:

“The benefits for children and families in York will be significant. Free school meals will improve children’s ability to learn, make sure they eat more healthy food, and save parents around £400 a year per child.

 “Pilot schemes which trialled universal free school meals showed that the children that had a school meal were two to three months ahead academically compared to children who did not have one. There was also marked progress in the number of children who hit target levels in Maths and English at Key Stage One.

 “But it is not all about results. The social benefits of getting pupils sitting together for lunch is important. The pilots showed sitting down for lunch broadened pupils’ social skills and of course helped their table manners.

 “The Coalition Government has put £1bn new revenue into the scheme. It is clear that this policy and this investment would not have happened without the Liberal Democrats in Government.”

The number of pupils receiving free school meals broken down by local authority.

More information on free school meals in York can be found here: http://www.york.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals