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Free school meals in Berkshire rise by a third
23 Dec 2011

The number of children claiming free school meals in Berkshire has risen by 36 per cent in a year, according to new figures from the Department for Education.

Some 12,719 pupils of all ages do not have to pay for their midday meal, with 3,249 in Reading, BBC News reports.

This is higher than the national average of 25 per cent and councillors attributed it to the economic downturn squeezing household finances.

However, it could be that some authorities have implemented new measures to reduce the stigma that once came with claiming free school meals.

For example, cashless catering using contactless smart cards loaded up with eMoney may make a difference, as pupils no longer have to announce they do not have to pay at the till.

Claire Rick from the School Foods Trust said the government is doing all it can to make sure eligible families apply for funding.