Teachers believe a new policy providing free meals for children will help boost their education.

Every pupil in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be entitled to a free hot meal starting next September.

Schools in Essex will be receiving £3.2million of Government funding to ensure they are able to provide the meals.

Bridgette Gough, headteacher of St Andrew’s Primary School, in Mathews Close, Halstead, said: “The school supports any measures that might improve the chances for its pupils.

“In terms of the logistics of preparing more meals, we are confident the school can meet any extra demands for hot dinners.”

David Iles, who retired last year after 27 years as headteacher of Richard de Clare Primary School, said: “It can only be a good thing.

“I have always thought good nutrition is really important for children’s learning.

“Hungry children do not perform well."