Free dinners for schoolchildren a ‘positive step’

From September 2014 school-children in Reception, Year one and Year two classes will be given the option of a free daily hot meal.

Pauline Warren, head teacher of Elm Grove First School, in Elm Grove, Worthing, said: “It is a positive step to ensure we can give children a balanced meal where possible and I support it.

“It will make meal times a more sociable event if children sit down for a hot meal together and will mimic family life in school.”

Kathy Offer, head teacher of the Hawthorns First School, in Poplar Road, Worthing, added: “I would certainly welcome having more hot meals available for children. I think it’s a really good idea.

“Organising it might be a challenge, our kitchen is quite small here, but I have no doubt we can cope with it.

“I think the whole idea of sitting down together to eat a hot meal is one to encourage.

“With many families working and finding it hard to make ends meet, what would concern me is what happens to the children who rely on these free school lunches when it is holiday time?”

For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, Thursday, November 14.