Young children in Sussex returned to school to be greeted with a free, daily, hot meal.

The national scheme is the government’s solution to ensuring all young children get a healthy meal each day.

And research championed by the Liberal Democrats claims it will make children more receptive to learning, therefore bridging the gap in attainment levels between children from poorer backgrounds and their peers.

Previously free school meals were available only after a child’s family was registered on benefits and means tested.

But the scheme will only work if catering companies ensure their meals have clear nutritional value.

The scheme boasts it will save parents money – but should families who are better off be allowed to get this cash break along with the rest of the population who are finding it tough to make ends meet?

And does it take away a major responsibility from parents who should be ensuring they are feeding their own children properly?