THE Government is predicting that the introduction of free school meals for children aged between four and seven from September will save North-East parents up to £26m.

With about 66,505 children in the region eligible for free school lunches, many parents who have previously spent up to £400 a year on packed lunches will reap the financial savings.

The Government’s standards for school meals mean children will receive a healthy, nutritious lunch – something which studies have shown contributes to improved learning in the classroom.

Evidence shows that only about one per cent of packed lunches meet these standards.

While free school meals are means tested for all children from year 3 onwards, they are now available to all children in reception, year 1 and year 2.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg – who is spearheading the new initiative – said: “Free school meals for infants will not only save families hundreds of pounds a year but will also have an impact on how a child performs in the classroom so that, regardless of their background, every child can have the best possible start in life.

“Pupils at the pilot schools who were all given free meals were found to be up to two months ahead of their peers elsewhere.

“My goal is to create a level playing field for all of our children so their success will be determined by their talents and efforts alone and not by their parents’ bank balance.”

The changes will also help towards reducing childhood obesity.

Currently about 20 per cent of children are already ‘obese’ by the time they leave primary school.

Cooking is also back on the curriculum next term.