MPs on the Commons Education Select Committee have written to the DfE to urge answers on what is being done to resolve “delays and issues” with the free school meals voucher scheme.
The scheme, run by private supplier EdenRed UK, has been criticised over delays in families receiving the supermarket vouchers, worth £15 per child per week.
In a letter posted on Twitter today, MPs state: “We are concerned about a significant number of reports from schools and parents about lengthy delays they are experiencing when seeking to obtain vouchers via the Edenred platform.”
Background: Vouchers for FSM pupils backed by DfE
Coronavirus: Head pleads for free school meal clarity
Support: Michelin-star chefs cook free school meals
The letter also asks whether the voucher scheme will run over half-term and the summer holidays, however, the DfE has already confirmed this week that the scheme will not run over half-term.
The MPs are also seeking the latest data on the number of vouchers that have been issued and redeemed by families since the national system has been in operation, and full details of the providers and supermarkets participating in the voucher scheme.
The DfE said earlier this week that Edenred had reported more than £70m worth of voucher codes have been redeemed into supermarket gift cards by schools and families.
A Department for Education spokesperson said today: “We continue to encourage schools to work with their suppliers to arrange food parcels or collections for families who are eligible for free school meals. There are some outstanding examples of where schools are using their own offers to support the children who need it most. Where that is not possible, the national voucher scheme has been put in place and is delivering for thousands of schools.
“Keeping vulnerable children safe is our priority, which is why we have kept school places open for these children and are giving councils more than £3.2 billion of additional funding to support services, including children’s social care. The Government has also announced £76 million in support for vulnerable people, including those at danger from domestic abuse”.
