Nearly 2000 families in County Durham will save hundreds of pounds a year thanks to a pilot free school meals scheme.
Durham County Council ran a pilot project which saw nearly 2500 children automatically enrolled for free school meals following a data matching exercise on their family’s eligibility.
This means that 1727 households eligible for free school meals were automatically signed up to the scheme, saving the families an average of £400 per child per year on food costs.
Schools in County Durham will also benefit from this initiative through eligibility for the government’s pupil premium grant, where they will receive extra funding for every child that is registered for free school meals.
The council’s auto enrolment project has meant schools across the county will be getting an additional £3 million of funding next year which can be used towards extra support in the classroom.
For more information about free school meals and other support offered to families, visit: www.durham.gov.uk/helpforfamilies