EDUCATION bosses are spending £60,000 on new cashless payment systems to try to increase the uptake of school meals at three York secondaries.

The money will be used at Millthorpe, Canon Lee and All Saints RC Schools to encourage those who are eligible for free meals but not yet claiming them to start doing so.

Such cashless systems are seen as crucial in reducing the stigma and embarrassment around free lunches, by making it harder for teenagers to tell whether their classmates are paying for meals or receiving them free.

Trevor Burton, head teacher at Millthorpe, said early indications suggested the move was working, with a noticeable increase in uptake of school meals. Precise figures have yet to be collated.

He said: "All the children are now treated exactly the same. When they go to the till there is a biometric check that says yes, this is Fred Smith from Year 8, for example.

"It's also quicker then the last system, it has led to a big uptake in school meals, which is good news, and it's convenient for parents because instead of being pestered in the morning for money for a meal, they can put pay online for the week.

"There is poverty in schools in York but some parents still do not want to take up the benefits. It's not just with school meals - there are also grants for uniforms and additional money can also come to the school when successful applications are made.

At least 400 York pupils a day who are eligible for free meals are not claiming them, according to a council task group report earlier this year, and reducing that figure is central to York's anti-poverty work.

The city's "poverty-free" vision, drawn up with various city organisations including The Press, and agreed in 2013, includes an aim to increase the uptake of free meals to 100 per cent by July 2015, but overall uptake increased only from 73.9 to 74.9 per cent in the 12 months to July this year, and fell in secondary schools.

 

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City leaders are also increasing their work in schools to increase awareness of the dangers of irresponsible lenders and to improve young people's understanding of financial planning.

In a written report to the council cabinet, Di Bull and John Madden from the council's strategic welfare reform team said the illegal money-lending team had produced lesson plans for primary and secondary schools and several had agreed to use them.

Meanwhile, South Yorkshire Credit Union intends to open premises in York offering financial advice and support and also selling discounted white goods.

It has also emerged that the council has provided grants as part of its financial inclusion work over the past year to several organisations:

  • York CAB received £67,000 to place benefit and debt advisors in two GP surgeries in deprived areas and £80,000 to overhaul York advice services
  • The Peasholme Charity received £27,018 to provide financial help for vulnerable and excluded people
  • Yorkshire Energy Partnership received grants totalling £28,236 to tackle fuel poverty and help people switch to cheaper providers
  • York Housing Association received £37,513 to give more training to tenants to help them find jobs, benefits and discounts online.