Story perspectives

Free School Meals Auto-Enrolment Benefits 1,300 Children

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Devon County Council and Torbay Council introduced auto-enrolment for free school meals, benefiting 1,300 additional children.
The policy removes the need for families to apply, ensuring eligible children receive meals automatically.
The measure unlocks £1.5 million in pupil premium funding for schools serving disadvantaged students.
Despite the changes, 27% of children in the south-west live in poverty, and some families still struggle to afford food.

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Story summary

Devon County Council and Torbay Council introduced auto-enrolment for free school meals, benefiting 1,300 additional children.
The policy removes the need for families to apply, ensuring eligible children receive meals automatically.
The measure unlocks £1.5 million in pupil premium funding for schools serving disadvantaged students.
Despite the changes, 27% of children in the south-west live in poverty, and some families still struggle to afford food.