York free school meal pilots could be extended after research suggests improved school attendance

Free school meal pilots in York could be extended to two further schools next year following initial research into the impact of the meals.

Pupils in key Stage 2 (years 3-6)* at Westfield Primary Community School and pupils at Burton Green Primary School have been able to get free school lunches, and breakfasts, respectively, since early 2024, thanks to funding from City of York Council and donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.

The pilots were set up to test the delivery of Universal Free School Meals in addressing disadvantage and the cost of living crisis.

Research carried out by researchers from the universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield into the impact of the York pilots showed that pupils taking in part in the schemes showed improved attendance and punctuality compared to their peers.

Both schools saw evidence of improved behaviour as a result of children feeling less hungry, with staff noting improvements in the pupils’ focus and energy levels after receiving a free breakfast.

The research also found that the pilots provided strong indicators of a positive impact on the wellbeing, happiness and mental health of pupils via improved mood regulation, and the social interactions associated with both the breakfast club and school lunches.

The local findings support national evidence, which suggests that Universal Free School Meals support children’s ability to learn and can reduce health inequalities between disadvantaged children and their peers.

Laura Williams, the council’s Assistant Director of Customer and Communities, said: “These initial findings show clear evidence of the positive impact of universal free school meals and will shape the future direction of free school meal delivery in the city. I’d like to thank all those involved in making the pilots such a success.”

Last month the government announced plans to fund free breakfast clubs in 750 ‘early adopter’ state-funded primary schools across the country from April next year.