Eligible families in Newcastle will be automatically signed up to receive free school meals, the city council has announced.
The local authority said it was concerned that the current system of asking families to apply at the beginning of each school year meant some children were missing out.
Enrolling children for free school meals also helps school to secure pupil premium funding.
In Newcastle, more than 40% of children already get free school meals, but figures for England show that one in 10 eligible pupils are not registered.
Newcastle City Council said it would start the process for introducing auto-enrolment in January.
Cabinet member for children and families Lesley Storey said: ‘By introducing auto-enrolment, we are taking a proactive approach to support families most in need and secure additional funding for our schools.’
