Purpose

In May 2022 Mayor Rahman made a manifesto pledge to provide
Universal Free School Meals (UFSM’s) to all KS3 & KS4
Secondary Pupils. This commitment has since been reflected in
LBTH’s Strategic Plan 2022-26 with implementation from
September 2023.
This report sets out the recommendations for the delivery of
Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) to all Secondary School
Pupils.

Content

DECISION:
 
1.   
Agree to fund the meal price at £2.90 per pupil per day
rising to £3 in year 2 of the project.
 
2.   
Agree to a 3-phase approach to launching the project to allow
schools to prepare appropriately for the deliver of
meals to all secondary school pupils.
 
3.   
Agree to fund the upfront investment costs for all the schools
estimated to be a total of £722,350 to ensure schools have
the correct equipment and resources to increase their catering
capacity.
 
4.   
Approve the Conditions of Grant, support provision and evaluation
activities for schools. These will provide a clear and consistent
framework on how to derive maximum benefit from the project
(encouraging uptake of good quality nutritious school meals) as
well as providing data to demonstrate maximum value for money for
Tower Hamlets’ investment in UFSM.
 
ACTION BY:
Corporate Director Children’s
Services, (J. THOMAS)
Director of Commissioning and Culture (M. Eady)