Simon Hogg and Fleur Anderson MP visit Ark Putney to support free school meal expansion and back-to-school offers

From this September, eligibility for free school meals in Wandsworth will be widened under the Access for All scheme so that more secondary school pupils can receive support. Previously limited to families with income below £7,400, the threshold will be raised, saving families up to £500 per child each year. 

The visit also highlighted the wider package of help available for families as children return to school. The School Uniform Support Scheme has been expanded so that eligible families with children entering Reception and Year 7 will receive vouchers worth up to £170 to help cover the cost of new uniforms. More primary schools are now able to offer free breakfasts through the Council’s partnership with Magic Breakfast, ensuring children start the day ready to learn. 

Beyond the school gates, Wandsworth has launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library so that every child aged nought to five can receive a free, high-quality book delivered to their home every month until their fifth birthday. The Council is also expanding the Apple Schools programme to include more primaries and specialist SEND resource bases for the new academic year. 

Speaking at Ark Putney, Simon Hogg said the Council’s priority was to make sure no child is held back because of the cost of essentials.  

Headteacher of Ark Putney, Alison Downey, said: “We were delighted to welcome Councillor Hogg and Fleur Anderson to our school today. The expansion of free school meals will make a real difference to many of our families, ensuring every child is able to focus on their learning without worrying about food. This kind of support helps us give our pupils the best possible start to the year.” 

Together these initiatives form part of Wandsworth’s pledge to ensure that all children have the food, clothing, resources and opportunities they need to succeed at school and beyond.