School meal prices frozen for new academic year

While all reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children will continue to receive free school meals under the Government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals programme, the cost of a daily meal for older primary children is to be pegged at £2.05 while the price of a secondary school lunch will continue to be £2.25.

The prices will apply only in schools where meals are provided by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Catering Service.

The authority also recognises that due to the economic impact of the pandemic more children may now be entitled to free school meals, and parents are being urged to check their eligibility at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/free-school-meals-apply or by telephoning (01429) 284188.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We understand that many families have been hit very hard by COVID-19 and we hope this decision to freeze prices will help to ease some of the pressure they are under.

“We also keen to maximise the take-up of free school meals and we would urge as many parents as possible to check their eligibility and ensure that they receive what they are entitled to.”

The Council’s Catering Service has been working closely with head teachers to ensure that lunchtime arrangements meet Government safety guidelines.

Inevitably, lunchtimes in many of the town’s schools are going to be a little different because of limited dining hall space and the requirement to keep class bubbles separate from one another. Some schools have decided to introduce staggered mealtimes in their dining halls, whilst other are planning to use classrooms to provide the extra space needed for pupils to eat meals in separated groups.

Many of the menu items enjoyed prior to the Covid-19 outbreak will return, although the Catering Service is making some changes to meet guidelines, including removing some popular options such as the self-service salad bar.

Councillor Moore added: “Despite the challenges and restrictions that will be in place in September, we will once again be offering a hot food service that we think provides excellent value for money.”

Further details about the school meals service and latest menus are available on the Council’s website at https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/homepage/93/school_meals

Special dietary needs of pupils can be accommodated and schools should be informed of these in the first instance. Parents are asked to note that some menu items may need to be substituted more frequently than usual because of difficulties that exist in the supply chain as a result of the pandemic.