Middlesbrough Council is set to enhance its free school meals auto-enrolment program, which aims to support disadvantaged students across the region. Since September, the initiative has identified 546 children who were eligible for free school meals but had not previously been receiving them. The program, introduced at the start of the academic year, is designed to alleviate financial burdens for families while improving educational outcomes for vulnerable students.
Thanks to this initiative, Middlesbrough Council has unlocked approximately £765,000 in government funding for local schools during this academic year alone. This funding is part of the Pupil Premium scheme, which allocates financial resources based on the number of children receiving free school meals. Primary schools receive £1,480 per eligible child, while secondary schools are allocated £1,050.
The impact of the program is significant. Automatic enrolment could save families an average of £400 per year, providing essential support to those who need it most. The initiative has already proven successful, with hundreds of children receiving meals since its inception. Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke expressed his satisfaction with the program’s outcomes.
"This move has been a massive success so far, and I'm delighted we've been able to help so many families in such a short space of time." – Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke
The program, funded by the government, aims to improve educational outcomes specifically for disadvantaged students. Pupil Premium funding plays a critical role in this effort by enabling schools to enhance resources and support for their students. Families participating in the initiative will also have the choice to opt out if they prefer.
