Free meals for all

All primary school children in two local authorities are to get free school meals in a government experiment to see what effect it has on behaviour and obesity.

The pilot scheme will last two years, and two local authorities in deprived areas will be chosen. In a third authority the eligibility rules for free meals will be changed.

Hull council introduced free meals for all primary children, but Labour lost power in the local elections and the Liberal Democrats scrapped the scheme.

Under the present rules, about 16% of primary children are entitled to free school meals but child welfare charities say many don't take them because of the stigma attached, and fear of bullying.

Behaviour impact of healthy lunches

Eating healthy lunches can sometimes cause children to behave more boisterously, new research has found.

Six primary schools in Sheffield were studied, and it was found that children who ate lunches high in fruit and vegetables were nearly four times more likely to be disruptive when working with other pupils.

However, in teacher-led activities pupils were over five times more likely to display alert and focussed behaviour when they had eaten more healthily.

The research, produced by the School Food Trust, is the first time that improvements in learning behaviour has been studied in relation to nutrition and dining facilities.

Behaviour programme gets SEAL of approval

A programme of teaching pupils manners, respect and good behaviour has proved so successful it will be rolled out to all primary schools by July 2009.

Currently 60% of primary schools are using the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) programme, which is embedded across the curriculum.

It has had a major impact on results and behaviour according to the government.

Pupils are encouraged to understand and manage their feelings, develop their social skills and empathise with others.

Now the government has announced the release of another £13.7 million in funds, which will also see the scheme extended to secondary schools.

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said: “The programme will make sure that all children understand the importance of being confident and interacting with other children in a respectful and positive manner.”