Free school meals auto-enrolment 'way forward'

The automatic enrolment of children for free school meals should become a standard practice, a councillor has said following a successful trial.

The scheme, run by Fix Our Food research programme and councils, identified previously unregistered, eligible children and signed them up automatically.

As a result, 2,500 more children across County Durham have started receiving a free school meal since the pilot began in September.

Head teachers said the scheme was "the way forward" as it helped pupils and their families.

Durham County Councillor Alan Shield said the trial had been "so successful" that it was hoped it would become "standard practice".

Shield, the local authority's cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said the council was working with other local authorities who were "following [Durham's] lead".

He said more than 1,500 primary school children and just under 1,000 secondary school pupils had been enrolled during the pilot.

There was a three-week opt out period, with just 16 families declining the offer.

Redcar and Cleveland Council and Middlesbrough Council also took part in the trial.

Head teachers said the scheme alleviated pressure on families, but also on school staff, who no longer needed to put families forward to check if they were eligible.

Joanne Bromley, head teacher at King Street Primary School in Spennymoor, said well-fed children were able to concentrate better.

"It's an opportunity for them to make sure that they've eaten something quite wholesome," she said.

Natalie Maughan, head teacher at Bowburn Primary School, said the scheme also helped families that struggled with paperwork or "stigma" with free meals.

"I think that is the way forward for our families," Mrs Maughan said, adding: "There could be some stigma attached to [free school meals].

"Parents might not want to fill in the form or they might not feel that they're eligible."

Signing up for a free meal saves families an average of £400 per child per year, Durham County Council said.

It also brings extra funds for schools through the government's pupil premium grant.

Shield said the trial was being evaluated and would hopefully be rolled out further to help more families.

"It will be hopefully established as standard practice," he said, adding: "We will potentially look at other households who could be entitled to free school meals for their children."