Richmond Council has confirmed that it will provide additional funding to local schools, to support the expansion of free school meals to all primary aged children from September 2023.

The Mayor of London is funding the cost of meals for one year and Council funding will ensure that schools have the kitchen facilities and equipment needed to support the increased number of hot meals being serves.

Councillor Penny Frost, Chair of the Council's Education and Children's Service committee said: "We have welcomed the expansion of the free school meals provision to all primary children for the next academic year, at a time when many families are feeling the impact of high food prices and the cost-of-living crisis.'

She added: "Good nutrition is essential for physical and mental wellbeing and development, and we know that children learn better when they are well fed."

Frost also said: "We anticipate that this offer will be popular and one that parents will hope to see extended beyond a year."

"Our schools have had to make a significant capital investment to deliver meals for this coming year so if the offer continues, which we hope it will, it will be critical that the Mayor and the Department for Education work to release funding for ongoing costs."

The offer is available from September for all primary aged children in state funded schools and eligibility is not means tested.

As well as this, Richmond council have been providing school meal vouchers for the borough's lowest income families throughout the summer holidays with each eligible child receiving £120 for the six week summer holiday period.

These children also have free access to holiday clubs through the FUEL Holiday Activity and Food Programme.

To find out more about the free school meal scheme speak to your child's school.