As children across Hastings return to the classroom after the summer holidays, Local MP Helena Dollimore has urged all parents to check their eligibility for free school meals after the “significant expansion” of the programme.

From 1 September, an additional 5,500 children in Hastings and Rye will qualify for free pre-school meals under the new Labour government policy, a change the MP said was made “because we don’t want children to go hungry.” She also confirmed that local schools are rolling out free breakfast clubs starting this term.

In a further boost for families, Ms Dollimore reminded parents that rules regarding school uniforms have been updated. She said the government has acted to restrict the number of branded items schools can require, aiming to reduce the financial burden on families.

Parents will have to opt-in to the free school meals programme and they can check to see if their child is eligible by clicking on: gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/news.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/news.jpgHIPNewsfree pre-school meals,Helena DollimoreAs children across Hastings return to the classroom after the summer holidays, Local MP Helena Dollimore has urged all parents to check their eligibility for free school meals after the “significant expansion” of the programme. From 1 September, an additional 5,500 children in Hastings and Rye will qualify for free...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper