Dinner’s ready!

READY TO SERVE: the youngest children will get free school meals from September

THE majority of Oldham schools are ready for the introduction of free meals for all infant pupils later this year, say education chiefs.

But there are still doubts over a lack of information about funding, staffing and kitchen provision in the Government-backed scheme. A trade union has warned that previous cuts to the school dinner system could hamper the new move.

From September all children aged four to seven in reception, year one and year two in state schools will be eligible for free school meals. Youngsters will automatically be offered a meal unless their parents opt out.

Oldham Council’s catering service provides meals to 91 of Oldham’s 94 primary schools and in 2010 became only the third English council to receive a silver award from the Food for Life campaign, for its high-standard meals. It now hopes to achieve gold status.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for education, employment and skills, said: “Oldham Council is well prepared for the introduction, which will help families at a time when budgets are tight. Parents can save up to £390 a child a year.”