More children across Southwark nurseries enjoy healthy free school meals
More children across Southwark’s nurseries are starting the day with a free, healthy breakfasts after a funding boost from their local authority.
Last year, Southwark council allocated an extra £175,000 to help school nursery classes and maintained nurseries offer free healthy breakfasts.
From spring term 2024 to summer term 2025, for every child eligible for 30 hours of funding, the school is allocated £2.65 a week – the equivalent of five breakfasts per week. For children eligible for 15 hours of funding, the school is allocated £1.59 a week – equivalent to three breakfasts per week.
Pippa Baker, Head of School and SENCo at Nell Gwynn Nursery School in Meeting House Lane, Peckham, said: “It’s been brilliant having the funding uplift, which has helped us increase the healthy food options we can offer our children.
“We have more of a range of fruits and wholegrain breads. We have more sensory seeking options for our children with neurodiversity, like crackers and carrots. Our children now enjoy things like blueberries and strawberries, which were previously too expensive.”
The funding boost forms part of the council’s initial free school meal plan from 2019. Each school decides how this funding is used for lunches, breakfasts or to provide healthy snacks throughout the day. This is to best suit the needs of children, attendance patterns, and on-site facilities.
Ms Baker said: “Our children really enjoy sitting together and having breakfast. It’s a social experience. When children are hungry, they can’t settle properly.
“Their behaviour and concentration is inevitably impacted. A free healthy breakfast equips them to be able to get on with their school day, while giving peace of mind for some of our families who are struggling with the cost of living.”
Last week, Cllrs Evelyn Akoto and Jasmine Ali joined children for breakfast at Nell Gwynn Nursery School.
Cllr Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Refugees, said: “This extra money for free healthy breakfasts in nurseries means money back in parents’ pockets for other necessities as the cost-of-living crisis continues.
“In Southwark, we know very well the benefits of universal meals in educational settings. We’ve been delivering free healthy school meals for over a decade.”
Pictured top: Children from Nell Gwynn Nursery School enjoying their breakfast (Picture: Shareen Akhtar)