Free school meals in Newham sees take-up exceed 75%

Latest figures just released reveal the current uptake has soared to a borough-wide average of around 75% – compared with 51% of children last year who were either having a free school meal or paying for it. Twenty schools now have over 80% take-up, two of which are at 98%. There has also been a knock-on effect on secondary schools. Newham has already achieved an school meal uptake increase of about 15% compared with the same time last year. Newham is the only London borough to have been chosen for the two-year pilot, which started at the beginning of this term in September. Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "We are one of the country's poorest boroughs and many families have felt extra pressure on their budgets during the recession. This is a great way of both putting money in their pockets and of improving children's health and fitness - one of our top priorities - to boot. We are with them every step of the way." Councillor Quintin Peppiatt, Newham Council's executive member for children and young people, added: "The connection between good diet and good learning and behaviour is real and it's been well researched. And this is about giving some of our kids and their families a real boost and a real chance in life. They are Newham's future and we need to look after them."