Free dinners prove a winner

Figures released by the Department of Education have revealed that those who can claim for the meals are narrowing the attainment gap to the higher achievers not on the scheme.

Up 3.6 per cent on last year, 59 per cent of the 11 year olds are now gaining the expected standard qualifications of level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths.

Nottinghamshire County Coun John Peck, chairman for children and young people’s services, said: “It is something to build upon, and this is a significant achievement in line with our ‘Closing The Gap’ strategy.”

“It means that year on year, increasing numbers of these pupils enter year seven with the necessary literary and numeracy skills that help to maximise their learning.”

Coun Peck also promised to work with national and local authorities to ‘make further improvements to support local schools’.