Durham's free school meal auto-enrolment permanent

The pilot scheme launched in September

A scheme that helped more than 2,400 children receive a free school meal has been made permanent.

Eligible children in County Durham have been auto-enrolled for a meal since the start of the trial in September.

Durham County Council confirmed the pilot had been adopted permanently in the area.

Primary and secondary head teachers had previously supported the scheme, saying it was "the way forward" and alleviated pressure on families and staff.

Over 2024/25, an additional 2,469 children in County Durham received a free school meal as a result of the scheme.

Just 16 families declined the offer during a three-week opt-out period.

The local authority said everyone eligible would be contacted in the summer about the next academic year.

Signing up for a free meal saves families an average of £400 per child per year, the county council added.

It also brought in extra funds for schools through the government's pupil premium grant, with an estimated £3.5m unlocked.

The trial, run by the Fix Our Food research programme and councils, has also been made permanent in Middlesbrough.