Wandsworth Council auto-enrolls eligible children for free school meals
The new system means parents and carers no longer have to go through the application process and children won't have to learn on an empty stomach. Any family identified who does not want to claim can opt out.
Since auto-enrolment started, 272 children have been identified as eligible, saving families a total of £56,000 a year. Schools also benefit, last year collectively receiving an extra £511,000 in pupil premium and disadvantaged funding.
Wandsworth also works with the charity Magic Breakfast to provide a free breakfast at 20 primary schools to all children who want it.
Deputy council leader Cllr Kemi Akinola said: “I’m proud of our team for working so hard to make sure no child is left behind. If we can do this, so can other local authorities, and we are already sharing our knowledge with them. This scheme will cut red tape, reduce stigma and make it easier for children to access the healthy nutritious food they need.”