65 jobs for free school meals

Kirklees Council this week backed the creation of 65 new jobs and give existing staff the chance to work more hours.

It is in response to a Government idea to give free school dinners to pupils in all state-funded infant schools in England.

It means more than 850,000 extra meals will be made in Kirklees each year.

Kirklees is getting £1.034m from the Government to cope with the increased demand for the two-year initiative.

Around £300,000 will be spent on equipment and alterations to school kitchens to cope with demand. It will pay for new ovens, ventilation systems and fridges.

Cabinet member for children’s services Coun Jean Calvert (Lab, Ashbrow) said: “It’s looking like were one of the first authorities ready to go from September so well done Kirklees.”

It is estimated that parents of reception, year one and year two pupils will save around £400 per child a year.