Thu, 15 May 2025

Thu, 15 May 2025 More pupils auto-enrolled for free school meals

The move by Newcastle City Council follows similar schemes by other authorities including Durham.

* 153 extra children being approved for free school meals
* An estimated £195,250 extra per year in pupil premium funding for city schools
* A total of approximately 40% of Newcastle's children eligible for free meals (compared to England's average of 24.6%)
* The council credits its existing "robust" system as a reason for the relatively low increase compared to other areas, such as Durham County Council
* The policy aims to help struggling families by providing an essential meal and saving them up to £450 per year (or almost £40 per month)
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