Hartlepool school meal prices announced for when kids go back in September

Prices will remain unchanged for the coming school year while the financial impact of the pandemic means more children in town may now be in line for free school meals.

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.

In schools where meals are provided by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Catering Service, the cost of a daily meal for older primary children stays at £2.05 while a lunch at secondary schools will be £2.25.

Council leader Cllr Shane Moore 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 are 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 says lunchtimes in many town schools are going to look a little different when they reopen in September with a variety of measures in place to keep class ‘bubbles’ separate from one another.

Limited space in dining halls means some schools have decided to introduce staggered mealtimes, while others are planning to use classrooms to provide more space.

The council’s Catering Service has been working closely with headteachers to make sure lunchtime arrangements meet government safety guidelines.

Menus are due to remain much the same but the guidelines mean the Catering Service will have to make some changes including the removal of a self-service salad bar.

And the local authority says some menu items may need to be substituted more frequently than usual because of difficulties in the supply chain due to the pandemic.

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

Parents are being urged to check their eligibility for free school meals at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/free-school-meals-apply or by phoning (01429) 284188.

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