Just two Hull primary schools have introduced 50p school meals

Primary schools in Hull are refusing to cut the price of meals to 50p despite being given £577,000 to pass the saving on to parents.

Just two of the city's 73 primaries have reduced the price of school meals from £1 to 50p, with one headteacher claiming the price cut was "insulting to some parents who work".

Only 12 have so far confirmed their intention to reduce the cost of school dinners to 50p, aimed at tackling the city's childhood obesity problem, improving children's concentration and providing financial relief to working families who do not qualify for free school meals.

Now, Mil Vasic, director for children and families service at Hull City Council, is encouraging all schools to take part in the scheme.

He said: "Every primary school in Hull has been offered the opportunity to take part in this initiative that will allow 50p meals to be introduced for all primary pupils in Years 4 to 6.

"Already, younger children and their families are benefiting from the introduction of the national Universal Free School Meal initiative.

"We are encouraging all schools to take up the scheme, and I know they are taking the proposals through their governing bodies to decide on their individual school's intention."

Mr Vasic said the council was "committed" to the implementation of the price cut so as many families as possible can benefit.

He said: "There are already two schools successfully delivering the programme, with many looking to a January implementation date. We will continue to work closely with schools to ensure they are ready."

Schools have the power to charge parents whatever they want for school meals, although the majority in Hull charge £1.

However, in July, Hull's Health and Wellbeing Board voted unanimously to provide £577,000 to Hull's primary schools to cut the price further to 50p.

The council has been working with schools in an attempt to persuade them to introduce 50p school meals.

But just two – Longhill and Neasden, both in east Hull – have introduced the saving, with the price cut coming into force last week.

As part of the council consultation, 11 schools have indicated they will not introduce 50p school meals.

Some headteachers say the money would be better spent working with the families of obese children or educating parents on the need to send their children to school with healthy packed lunches.

Others have voiced concerns over its impact on the pupil premium, the amount a school gets from central government to support children eligible for free school meals.

Some headteachers also claim the price cut would not encourage more children to eat school dinners.

This is despite evidence from the University of Hull proving free school meals, which were available in the city for three years before the plan was scrapped in 2007, increased uptake.

Figures also show 10,186 more children are now eating school meals since the Government's introduction of Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in September.

JUST 14 schools have said they will introduce the 50p charge for school meals so far.

Neasden Primary and Longhill Primary both introduced the price cut last week.

Other primary schools likely to introduce the price cut in January are Clifton, Endike, Paisley, Parks, Parkstone, Priory, Sutton Park and Sidmouth, although the latter wants reassurance over how any shortfall will be funded.

Another three schools outside the Hull Catering contract, Wheeler, Hall Road Academy and Greenway Academy have signalled their intention to introduce the 50p price cut in January.

Victoria Dock, which currently charges £1.60 for school meals, said it was keen to support the plan although discussions are under way. St George's Primary said it needs to discuss the plan with governors but is "likely to agree".

However, 11 schools – Bellfield, Bricknell, Bridgeview Whitehouse medical pupil referral unit, Bude Park, Cleeve, Dorchester, Highlands, Kingswood Parks, Mountbatten, St Mary Queen of Martyrs and Stoneferry have indicated they will not support the 50p charge.

Thanet/Fordyke has indicated "in theory no" while Wheeler Primary said, although it intends the cut the price, "more information is required".

Pearson Primary has said it "needs to be convinced of position impact" and Spring Cottage said it was "undecided".

The remaining schools have yet to confirm or reject the plan.

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