Free school meals for 1,300 more children in Devon
Summary
Councils in Devon, England, have changed the rules so that more children automatically receive free school meals. This change affects 1,300 children in Devon and increases funding for schools to support disadvantaged pupils. Other councils, like Cornwall and Plymouth, are also considering similar changes.Key Facts
- Devon County Council and Torbay Council now automatically enrol eligible children for free school meals.
- This change in Devon affects about 1,300 more children, bringing total beneficiaries to approximately 21,065 pupils.
- Families with an income under £7,400 a year qualify for free school meals.
- The percentage of children receiving free school meals in Devon has increased from 9.6% in 2016/17 to nearly 20% by 2023/24.
- The auto-enrolment policy has brought an additional £1.5 million to schools for pupil support.
- Cornwall Council plans to implement a similar scheme by September 2026, potentially benefiting about 1,800 children.
- Plymouth City Council is exploring this change, estimating around 2,600 eligible children not currently enrolled.
- 27% of children in the south-west of England were living in poverty in 2023/24, according to research.
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