As children across Hartlepool prepare to head back to school, September brings some important changes for families and I want to make sure people know what support is available and where we still need to go further.

From September, every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, regardless of household earnings.

It is worth registering for even if your child already receives a universal infant free school meal because registering for means-tested free school meals can also unlock additional support for your child’s school.

We are also making real progress with free breakfast clubs locally.

Every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals.

placeholder image — Every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals.

St Helen’s Primary School, Rossmere Academy, Greatham Primary and Stranton Primary are already providing free breakfasts for every pupil.

From September, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and St John Vianney Catholic Primary School will join them.

So even more Hartlepool children will be able to enjoy a healthy breakfast, with time to socialise and the chance to arrive in class ready to learn.

For working parents and grandparents, it also provides valuable extra flexibility in busy mornings, while saving families around £450 a year per child.

There are also changes to school uniforms, limiting the number of branded items families have to buy.

There will also be a much tougher approach to mobile phones in schools so that children can learn, concentrate and build friendships without disruption.

But, for me, one of the most important issues remains SEND.

I’ve spoken to children and families across Hartlepool about their experiences and I’ve heard first-hand about the frustration, the delays and the feeling of having to fight simply to get the support their child needs.

We must do better.

New Ofsted arrangements will place greater emphasis on how schools support children with SEND and engage with their families.

We need also early intervention, proper specialist support and a system where families are listened to rather than passed from service to service.

Finally, I want to pay tribute to our teachers and all our school staff.

Teachers receive a 3.5% pay rise this September but no pay award can fully reflect the dedication I see every day from teachers, teaching assistants, SEND staff, pastoral teams and everyone who keeps our schools running.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s free school meals service here can be reached via https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/schools-education/free-school-meals