Free school meals scheme to cover Easter holiday
Fiona Simpson
Monday, April 6, 2020
The government has extended its free school meals scheme to cover the Easter holiday but critics have accused Gavin Williamson of using the coronavirus pandemic to “sneak in cuts” to universal infant free school meals.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove said during a press conference on Saturday that “vouchers will be available over the Easter holidays to support household incomes”.
The former Education Secretary added that more support for “the country’s most vulnerable” would be announced this week.
Families of children eligible for benefits-related free school meals will continue to receive food provided by their child’s school or a voucher worth £15 per week to spend at various supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda.
Last week, the Department for Education advised schools to remain open over the annual Easter holiday for the children of key workers and vulnerable children.
The advice prompted sector leaders including children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield and unions including the National Education Union and NASUWT to call for the scheme to be extended over the two-week break.
However, the announcement comes as critics accused the government of making cuts to universal infant school meals amid the crisis.
Last week, DfE published updated advice on free school meals that states: “There is no requirement to continue to provide universal infant free school meals to pupils in reception, year 1, or year 2 who are unable to attend school. Children in those year groups who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will be supported.”
Angela Raynor, former Shadow Education Secretary and newly elected deputy leader of the Labour Party, said: “It is utterly wrong for ministers to sneak out a policy like this under cover of a national crisis”.
“A million people signed up for Universal Credit in the last fortnight alone, and millions more face redundancy or pay cuts as they fall through the gaps in the government’s economic support scheme.
“The last thing they need is a double whammy of losing healthy meals for their children as well. We should be ensuring that no child goes hungry, not re-imposing means testing through the back door.”
Tim Roche, general secretary of the GMB union, said: “The coronavirus crisis shouldn’t be used to effectively end universal free school meals.
“We cannot be in a situation where people in schools are having to decide who eats and who doesn’t.”
The DfE said children who were still attending school “should still be provided with meals if requested”.
A spokesperson added: “Schools and local authorities will know who their eligible pupils are. They should continue to accept free school meal applications from families that may become eligible for this support due to a change in circumstances.”
