Free school meals not to be scoffed at

THE new government policy giving more primary school pupils access to free school meals has been welcomed by Oldham’s Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Diane Williamson, the party’s shadow cabinet member for education, praised the measure which sees around 9,800 reception and year one and two Oldham children receive a free meal.

The change is part of a national £1 billion initiative that has seen almost two million free school meals eaten by youngsters as they returned to school this week.

Councillor Williamson, who represents Crompton, said: “I am entirely convinced the benefits for children and families will be enormous. Free school meals will improve children’s education, make sure they eat healthier food and save parents money.

“Now parents will no longer have to find £2 a day to pay for a school meal for their child — a saving of around £400 a year for every child.”

The union GMB is now pressing for the policy to be extended to junior school-age children.