Claire, Steve and Ian at the Manor Primary.

On Thursday afternoon Thornbury and Yate MP, Steve Webb, joined Chair of South Gloucestershire’s Children’ Committee, Ian Blair, and local councillor for Westerleigh ward, Claire Young, to pay a visit to Manor Primary School in Coalpit Heath.

There they met with staff, parent, and pupils at the school and saw for themselves how the new free school meals scheme is being received. They also joined the lunch queue to sample some of the food for themselves.  

Steve Webb MP said: “Delivering free school meals for every child under seven has been one of the Liberal Democrats’ flagship policies in Government, and I was pleased to see local children benefiting and enjoying their lunch. Local parents tell me that they are pleased that their children are getting a nutritional lunch every day and that the change has eased the pressure on family budgets. There is also evidence that a good lunch every day will help children to concentrate and do better at school”.

Cllr Ian Blair said: “It was a huge task for South Gloucestershire primary schools to make sure that they were ready to serve free school meals to every child under seven from September 1^st. But thanks to hard work and good planning by school and council staff, everything has gone smoothly across South Gloucestershire and no child has gone without a meal since the term started. I’d like to commend everyone who helped to make this happen.”

Cllr Claire Young said: “As a parent to two boys, I know how expensive the new school term can be. Making school meals free for under-7s will really help lighten the load for thousands of local parents. Parents should also be reassured that, not only has the new system been introduced without any set-backs, but South Gloucestershire schools are now delivering much healthier meals of a very high quality.”