The BBC reports that more than 2,700 schools in England will need to improve kitchens to provide free meals for infant school children, according to new figures they have obtained.
Apparently, the work required ranges from a new microwave or dishwasher to a full refurbishment, but not all schools have yet been assessed, so the figure may rise.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced the policy at last year’s Liberal Democrat conference, which affects some 16,800 state primary schools in England.
Under the scheme, all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children in state-funded schools in England will be entitled to free school meals from this September – and therefore require considerable investment and work (in some cases) to meet the challenge.
The Department of Education is providing £150m to improve kitchens and dining facilities, but it remains to be seen whether this is enough, or if it will be applied quickly enough to meet the September deadline.
Could be a busy summer for kitchen contractors?
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