Deputy prime Minister Nick Clegg last night hailed the introduction of Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) as 'one of the most progressive advances in the way we treat children in a positive and supportive way that we have had for many, many years'.
He was speaking at Admiralty House in London at a celebration to mark the start of free school lunches for all infant children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. It was attended by the team behind the School Food plan, including John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby, along with LACA chair Carrieanne Bishop and immediate past chair Anne Bull.
Clegg said: "I want to thank the thousands of teachers, caterers, parents and head teachers who have turned this into a reality. This policy will help children for generations to come.
"The thinking behind this is very simple really - you can't expect children to concentrate in the classroom unless they have a full stomach. If we can't feed our children well then how can we teach them well."
He added that the measure had other benefits, too. It would, for instance, save families £400 a year per child.
"What it means is that a child who perhaps had been having some sliced bread, crisps and a fizzy drink now has a nutritious meal. And we know from research and the pilot studies we did that children who have a regular, healthy lunchtime meal are up to two more advanced in maths and English than those who don't.”
He said that free school meals also help to build the connection children have with food, where it comes from and how it's prepared.
Linda Cregan and Rob Rees of the Children's Food Trust were also among the invitees, who included school chefs, local authority officials, educators and key catering suppliers.