Free broadband boost
England star Rashford celebrates after PM agrees £120m fund to feed kids in the hols
TO MPs AFTER SUMMER HOL SCHOOL MEAL CAMPAIGN
you all that we have given these families just one less thing to worry about tonight. The wellbeing of our children should ALWAYS be a priority.”
He tweeted earlier: “Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.”
More than 1.3 million children were already eligible for free school meals before the coronavirus pandemic and the number is now likely to be much higher, in line with soaring unemployment.
The PM revealed he had spoken to Rashford to congratulate him – and claimed he only became aware of the campaign yesterday.
“I do think it’s important that we should be looking after the most vulnerable families, the neediest, right now,” he added.
His official spokesman had said on Monday: “The PM will respond to Marcus Rashford’s letter as soon as he can – he has been using his profile in a positive way to highlight some very important issues.”
Announcing the extension, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson praised Rashford, saying: “By speaking out for the less fortunate... he represents the best of Britain and is a role model for all of those children who look up to him for inspiration. We should never be ashamed to listen.”
All children in England who are eligible for free school meals due to their household income will qualify. Vouchers have already been extended over the summer in Scotland and Wales. The supermarket vouchers are expected to be worth £15 per week per child.
The Government hopes all school pupils will be back in the classroom in September.
Rashford’s letter told how he relied on free school meals despite his single mum Mel working hard to support him, brothers Dwaine and Dane, and half-sister Tamara.
He was hailed by the head of Button Lane Primary in Wythenshawe, Gtr Manchester, which he attended.
The school has twice the national average number of pupils eligible for free meals.
“He is like a hero to the children,” said Emma Roberts. “I
Rashford leaves training ground think they all feel like he’s their friend. He’s somebody close to them who is inspirational and they can aspire to be like.
“Yes, he’s a good footballer but he’s also an inspiration in how he lives his life.”
Labour welcomed the U-turn but called on ministers to tackle
Amount supermarket vouchers are expected to be worth each week
DISADVANTAGED children in England are to be given free internet access for six months to help with online learning.
BT is uniting with the Department for Education to aid 10,000 families.
The move comes as it was revealed that the majority of students are not returning work to teachers amid school closures, with the most broader child poverty to make sure the most vulnerable children never go hungry. Shadow Education Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey told MPs: “This U-turn is merely a sticking plaster.” England’s Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield warned disadvantaged lagging behind their better-off classmates.
The free access will be provided via a BT WiFi voucher code system. It will let youngsters use the web with up to three devices at a time for six months.
Content will be comprehensively filtered, with children pointed to online resources and learning programmes.
Most pupils are still out of school