Call to extend free school meals to all children in poverty

The research also found two thirds of teachers had provided food or money for hungry pupils.

The charity is calling on the government to extend free school meals in schools to all children living below the poverty line, after its survey of 570 UK teachers revealed 98 per cent believed all children living in poverty, including those in working families, should receive a free school meal.

Currently about 700,000 children of the 2.2 million living in poverty in England miss out on a free school meal because parents who are in work, or single parents who work less than 16 hours, do not qualify.

“We’re really concerned about those families that may be living in poverty but don’t qualify for free school meals because some of their children may be having difficulties and may be hungry in school,” said Laura Rodrigues, policy officer at The Children’s Society.

“We all know that there are benefits both in concentration, behaviour and attainment for children who have a healthy school lunch. Free school meals can provide parents with financial support for their budgeting but also provide health and educational benefits.”

The Children’s Society said changes to benefits, such as the introduction of Universal Credit, provided the government with an opportunity to improve the system and make sure that every child is accounted for.

The charity also suggested that all local authorities and academy providers should introduce cashless payment systems for meals, since 500,000 eligible children do not take up free food because of stigma, teasing and bullying.

“Every child in poverty should be given a free school meal. Free school meals are key to moving children out of poverty and vital to helping them flourish,” said Matthew Reed, chief executive of The Children’s Society.

The Children’s Society's call was backed by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and the National Union of Teachers.

“The Children’s Society’s report clearly shows the importance of free school meals in tackling child poverty, and we support the recommendation that all children living in poverty should be entitled to free school meals,” said Hank Roberts, president of the ATL.