Progress So Far on the Free School Meals Initiative for All Trust Pupils

Prosper Learning Trust wanted to find a way to support our school’s pupils and their families during this period of financial hardship for many.  We are aware of the rising cost of utilities and other essentials and the very high rate of inflation. The Trust understands our role in the community and are keen to exercise our civic responsibility in a positive way.

Prosper Learning Trust Trustees agreed to give all of our pupils across our schools the opportunity to receive a free school meal from us during the school week. This initiative is a trial period taking place from Monday 30th January until Friday 30th June 2023. This means that for those pupils who do not currently receive free school meals they can receive a lunch, paid for by the Trust, up to the value of a free school meal each day they are in school.

We would still encourage all families who may be entitled to free school meals for their children to continue to claim these during this period via their council’s website. As well as being a benefit to the pupils, it also ensures that our schools receive the additional income from the Government to help provide support and resources.  

So far into this initiative, Louise Hindmarch, Deputy Headteacher at Harry Watts Academy, said "We are delighted that PLT are supporting our families with the free school meal initiative. Over the past year, we have unfortunately seen the increased financial pressure that has been placed on some of our families. At Harry Watts Academy, we have seen an amazing 9.2% increase in School Meals taken across the school. As well as supporting families with the cost of school meals, it has been proven that children who eat healthy, free school meals have lower obesity rates, better academic performance and behaviour and improved lifetime productivity."