Commenting on the expansion of free school meals to all those in a household on Universal Credit, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“We join families and schools across England in welcoming this necessary and overdue first step in expanding free school meals eligibility. The existing threshold had been unchanged since 2018, meaning hundreds of thousands of children in poverty were missing out on the nutrition they need to thrive. This positive move, along with the government’s breakfast programme, will ensure far fewer empty bellies in classrooms. NEU members have long called for government to take direct action to ensure that no child is left behind – and their voices have been heard.
“It has been reassuring to see the government acknowledge the importance of universal provision in its breakfast clubs initiative. However, the ongoing cost of living crisis means that many children in families who just miss out on being eligible for Universal Credit will also miss out on a hot, healthy school meal. As teachers, our members know the positive impact of children eating and learning together – how it breaks down stigma and inequality, and ensures greater community cohesion. Ensuring that a free school meal is available to all children is the next urgent step that must be taken.”