The National Audit Office is to investigate the Deparment for Education’s free school meal voucher scheme.

The watchdog said it is expected to probe the DfE’s objectives and choice of contractor to run the scheme, its operational performance and compare its forecast budget to actual costs.

Coronavirus: DfE to police free school meals voucher scheme

Free school meals: DfE U-turn over funding free school meals in half-term

Summer break: School breakfast clubs extended over summer holidays

The scheme was launched in response to the Covid-19 school closures to help feed children eligible for free school meals while they were not attending schools.

Schools which joined the scheme can order shopping vouchers worth £15 per week for each eligible pupil. 

Evidence can be provided by emailing enquiries@nao.org.uk putting the investigation title (free school meal voucher scheme) in the subject line.