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27
MILK AND MEALS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.
The scheme for the provision of milk for school children is
administered by the Director of Education.
During 1941 the consumption of milk gradually increased as
more and more children returned from the Reception Areas.
Children are supplied with one or two one-third pint bottles
at the full cost of ½d. per bottle, half cost or free of charge according
to the level of the family income in the sliding scale approved by
the Board of Education.
The following figures supplied by the Director of Education
indicate the number of children who were receiving milk on the 1st
October, 1941, when most of the children had returned :
Number of children on Roll 13,551
Number of children receiving free milk 711
Number of children paying for milk 7,090
Total of children receiving milk 7,801
Percentage of children receiving milk 58
The first centre for providing meals for children was opened
at Cuckoo School in July, 1940, when necessitous children were given
free meals. Shortly after this at the request of the Board of
Education a larger scheme for providing meals and milk was submitted
for approval. The Director of Education, at the beginning
of 1941, ascertained that there were about 3,500 children whose
parents wished them to have a midday meal at school, and in June,
1941, the Board of Education pointed out the growing importance
of having adequate arrangements for the provision of meals. The
first canteen was opened at Coston's School in September, when
60 meals were served to senior girls, and in the following month
the Junior Girls' and Boys' Departments were included.
Arrangements were soon completed under the supervision of
the Director of Education for providing meals at the following
schools :
September Grange School
Modern School
October Wood End School
Perivale School
St. Ann's School