ONE can normally trust the people in the know, those down on the ground working at the coal face.

And it would seem that the predictions of headteachers ahead of the introduction of universal free school meals for Key Stage One have indeed come to pass.

This is a prime example of how even well-meaning policies introduced by politicians in Whitehall can go awry.

Yes, it is vital that all young children can get at least one square meal a day, but the realities of its implementation are being felt across our city and county.

Schools warned at the time that they would struggle to cope with the policy.

Kitchens too small, equipment not up-to-scratch, and then the realisation that Pupil Premium money was not rolling in.

Parents also have their part to play. Schools can only do so much when it is down to parents and guardians to apply on the schools’ behalf.

This is why all decisions taken by those in government, at whatever level, must be fully considered.

Schemes cannot just be brought in on the hoof with a hope that throwing some money at them later on might fix the problem.

Life, sadly, is not that simple.