More Plymouth children to get free school meals

Plymouth: More than 2,500 kids in Plymouth could get free school meals starting in April. This change means eligible families will be contacted directly by local authorities. They’ll receive meals unless they choose to opt out. No more applications are needed.

Councillor Maria Lawson proposed this idea. She wants the council to ask the education secretary to include auto-enrolment in the upcoming Children’s Wellbeing Bill. The council also plans to review other local authorities’ systems for possible adoption in 2025/26.

Lawson highlighted that 16% of children in Plymouth live in poverty. Many eligible kids miss out on free meals due to a complicated application process. Language barriers and feelings of stigma also play a role.

She noted that more kids getting free meals means more funding for schools. Each primary pupil brings in an extra £1,450, while secondary pupils add £1,035. Plymouth is missing out on £2.5 million in funding, and families could save around £500 a year.

Councillor Jaime Bannerman supported Lawson’s motion. She mentioned that other areas have already adopted this system. It shows that the council cares about local families.

Councillor Kathy Watkins added that no child should be judged based on their parents’ income for essential nutrition. She believes lunch should be provided for all children, similar to systems in Sweden and Finland.

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