Price of school milk to go up by over 40 per cent

Bradford Council is blaming the change on a £400,000 cut in the European subsidy.

But heads are concerned that the change, which comes in after Easter, could deter parents from paying for the milk, seen as a vital diet supplement, especially in poor areas. Official estimates are that a third of children arrive at school without having had breakfast.

And because the task of administering the scheme is being devolved to schools, there are fears some may feel it is not worth the extra work involved.

Parents will have to pay £5 per term instead of £3.50 - an increase of 43 per cent for children in primary schools.

But all nursery and reception-age children - three and four year olds - will continue to get free milk, along with children eligible for free school meals.

"The EC's decision to cut its school milk subsidy is obviously disappointing," said Councillor David Ward, executive member for education.

"Although milk costs are increasing for some parents, milk bought at school is still cheaper than anywhere else. It works out at just above 8p a day, for a third of a pint."

At Killinghall Primary School, head teacher Jane Bingham said she would ask parents to pay £2.50 each half term to spread the cost. At the moment they pay £3 a term.

"There could be children who should have milk but whose parents find it difficult to find the money.

"Bradford children's dental records are the worst in the country. The children need the calcium."

Phil Green, director of education at Bradford Council, said he did not anticipate a problem.

"Schools are becoming more autonomous institutions - they have taken on responsibility for school meals and now this. The head teachers I have spoken to don't think it's a big deal."

For Bradford Council to make up the shortfall created by the EU cut would divert money from its core task, he said.

"You are talking about the thick end of half a million pounds which would have to come out of money to raise standards.