Free school meals expansion needs to go further

Commenting on the announcement that the Government is to increase the per-pupil funding rate for universal infant free school meals, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:

“We have been calling for the expansion of free schools meals funding and eligibility and therefore this announcement is welcome.

“However, it does not go nearly far enough to meet the significant and rapidly growing number of children and young people of all ages who are in need of help to ensure they do not go hungry.

“Without increased investment in expanding free school meal eligibility and action to tackle the cost of living crisis from this Government, many more pupils risk having their health and welfare damaged.”