Headteacher and school staff unions have spoken of their deep disappointment that the government has shelved plans to extend free school meals (FMS) provision to more pupils.
The government’s food strategy, published today, does not mention extending eligibility to children of families in receipt of Universal Credit, as proposed by Leon restaurant co-founder Henry Dimbleby in his review of the food system.
Julie McCulloch, policy director at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said the union is “deeply disappointed” at the decision not to take up Mr Dimbleby’s suggestion.
“The proportion of children eligible for free school meals in England currently stands at 22.5 per cent - itself a shocking reflection of the extremely difficult circumstances facing many families,” she said.
“However, we know that child poverty is actually much higher, at around 30 per cent. So it is clear that a large number of children are missing out on the important provision of a free school meal.
Besides the “strong moral imperative” to extend eligibility, Ms McCulloch said there was also an educational need as “children are more likely to learn effectively if they have the basics of good, nutritional food”.
He added: “The government must act on this issue and do the right thing for these young people.”
Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU teaching union, said teachers were “really worried about the impact of the cost of living on children and family incomes”.
She said: “The government is once again ignoring advice from its own expert advisers in rejecting the call to make sure all families on Universal Credit are eligible for FSM (free school meals).
“This is an extraordinary decision, given rising costs and the government’s promises to ‘level up’.
“This policy will result in a great many young people going hungry, and this is a totally unacceptable position for a government to take.”
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the decision showed that the Conservatives lacked a plan for Britain.
“After slashing Universal Credit, ministers are now faffing about while children go hungry. Our children deserve better,” she said.
A government spokesperson said the government had expanded access to free school meals “more than any other in recent decades”.
The spokesperson said the government “will continue to keep eligibility under review, to ensure that these meals are supporting those who most need them”.
