Decision details

The York Hungry Minds pilot project began in January 2024 and two schools were selected to implement universal free school meals (FSM) in KS2 and universal breakfasts. Westfield primary in one of our most disadvantaged wards has been supported with recurring local authority funding for school meals. Burton Green has been supported through York Hungry Minds (YHM) fundraising hosted by York Community Fund.

Ten schools were initially identified for consideration to be part of the wider FSM pilot (breakfast and lunch time meals). The criteria used were linked to the percentage FSM and the wider determinants of poverty provided by the indices of multiple deprivation.

Findings from interim evaluation reports demonstrated the positive impact of both the lunch and breakfast pilots on a range of indicators including attendance, punctuality and behaviour, but attributed potentially greater benefits to developing the breakfast offer.

Following the publication of the interim evaluations the YHM Steering group has supported the extension of the breakfast pilot to an additional school, but any further extension of the scheme will be dependent on successful fund raising to build the capacity of the York Hungry Minds community fund to sponsor additional schools.

In the absence of school readiness within the initial list of 10, there has been opportunity for other schools to show interest, considering either a full school approach (as designed in the initial pilot) or developing the model to further extend our learning through a more targeted approach. Doing so will help us consider opportunities going forward through a wider school poverty approach.

Extending the pilot to a school with a different method of school meal delivery is important to consider as the costs of delivery vary according to the school’s individual circumstances.

Taking these issues into account Fishergate Primary which has been involved in piloting a team around the school early help approach communicated an interest in delivering a targeted school breakfast. Officers attended the YHM Steering Group in January who confirmed a commitment to provide two years funding.

The school introduced this in February using a proof-of-concept approach to understand if parents would engage sufficiently for financial viability. The school have confirmed their intent to move to full delivery for up to 30 children.

Decision: Agreement to extend free school breakfasts to Fishergate primary on a targeted basis subject to continued funding through the York Hungry Minds Steering Group.

Consideration was given to other schools but ruled out at this stage due to readiness to progress an extension of the pilot. Given funding has been confirmed through donations to the community fund this school is the most appropriate to progress

To delay further implementation.