Nick Clegg has lauded the government's free school meals programme, which he has personally been championing. In the first three months of its launch, the scheme has seen had a high uptake, with 85 per cent of infants benefitting from nutritious lunches.

The deputy prime minister made the announcement during a visit to Hallfield Primary School in London, where he got to see firsthand how the initiative is working at a ground level.

"Well over a million and a half infants are enjoying a school meal at lunchtime, giving them a better start to afternoon lessons and a healthy boost for their first years in school," he commented.

"The other good news for families is that this saves them up to £400 per child a year on the cost of a packed lunch. The naysayers about this policy can eat their hats, and all the leftover sprouts."

Presently, schools across the UK are providing their pupils with Christmas-inspired free school meals, getting into the spirit of the festive period. By Christmas Day, it is expected that 25,000 turkeys will be consumed, 9.8 million sprouts will be eaten and 29,000 litres of gravy enjoyed.

Schools minister David Laws added that the opening few months of the free school meals scheme has been a success, helped by all stakeholders, including teachers, caterers and local authorities.

"Free school meals save parents money and ensure children are focused and able to concentrate throughout the day," he expanded. "Now we want to encourage more schools to focus on quality, and continue building on the huge steps we have already made since September."

The scheme marks a turning point in how the government and school leaders approach health problems in children that are directly linked to a poor diet. Concerning statistics include the fact that 20 per cent of children are obese when they leave primary school.