Medway Matters

Satisfied stomachs Stimulate minds:

I was delighted at the recent announcement that from September this year, every child at infant school throughout Medway will get free school meals, saving families over £400 a year per child, thanks to the Liberal Democrats.

Currently, approximately 40% of children (from all age groups) living in poverty aren't eligible to receive a free school meal - universal school free meals will ensure children from Medway's poorer backgrounds get a healthy meal at lunchtime.

On the basis of conversations with schools and local authorities throughout the country about their potential needs, the Liberal Democrats in Government have put aside £150 million of capital funding for this.

This is one of the most important changes in our education system for a generation. A healthy meal at lunchtime for all Medway children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will raise school standards and help families save money.

It would never have happened without the Liberal Democrats in Government, fighting to cut the cost of living.

It is a known fact that without a proper meal at lunch time, a child's attention span during the afternoon wanes and their education then suffers accordingly. Once having fallen behind educationally, it becomes very difficult to catch up again. That is why this Liberal Democrat inspired move is so vitally important, especially for Medway children, some of whom, according to recent Ofsted reports, have been very badly let down.