‘The devil’s in the detail’ of free school meals says school head

A THAME primary school head has welcomed the fact that all pupils between five and seven years-old will get a good, square meal but has some doubts about the government policy announced this week.

Alan Haigh, Headteacher of John Hampden Primary School in Thame, said this week: “As always, the devil is in the detail of this announcement and there are many unknowns. For instance, at the moment school’s receive a ‘pupil premium’ (additional to main school funding, for children eligible for free school meals to help tackle disadvantage). What is not clear is whether this money will be paid for ALL children between five and seven years-old or will it be withdrawn?”

Mr Haigh added that, although his school cooks meals on site, other schools buy in meals so the policy could be could for creating more jobs.

“Schools had no warning of this announcement and so we don’t at this stage know any more than the general public. We will just have to wait for more information before giving it more than a cautious welcome,” he concluded.