THOUSANDS of children returning to their classrooms in Barnsley this week will be entitled to a free school meal for the first time.
Under the new policy, which was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg last September, a free school meal is being offered to all school children in reception, year one and year two.
Matthew Reed, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "The extension of free school meals to all infants in the Yorkshire and the Humber is a positive step forward in the fight against child poverty, and shows that the Government recognises the hardship that thousands of families are facing.
"But for poor youngsters older than seven, nothing has changed.
"That's why it is vital that ministers build on this to make sure that every child in poverty is guaranteed a free school meal, whatever their age."
** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated September 5. **
