One in four eligible for free meals at school
ABOUT one in four children in Leicester are eligible for free school meals, a survey has concluded.
Leicestershire had 28,943 state school pupils eligible for free school meals in January, according to Department for Education (DfE) data.
That was up from 26,328 the previous year – and 16,975 in 2016, the earliest year with available figures.
In Leicestershire, the number rose by 11.5 per cent to 14,171 – 14.1 per cent of all pupils.
In Leicester, the number rose by 8.5 per cent to 14,772 – 24.8 per cent of pupils.
Nationally, the figure rose by 160,000 over the year, to about 1.9 million (22.5 per cent).
Some of the rise was due to a change in rules meaning children can continue to claim free meals even if a change in their family circumstances would otherwise stop them being eligible.
But the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said the pandemic was also driving the increase, as more families were affected by illness and job losses.
Julie McCulloch, director of policy at ASCL, said: “It is shocking that in one of the world’s wealthiest economies we are seeing a very significant increase in the number of children eligible for free school meals and therefore living in extremely difficult financial circumstances.
“Even more shocking is the fact that current eligibility does not even capture all the children who need help.
“Eligibility now applies to 22.5 per cent of pupils, but we know the level of child poverty is about 30 per cent.”
ASCL and other organisations are campaigning for all children from families on universal credit to be able to get free school meals.
The Child Poverty Action Group estimated 800,000 children living in poverty across England are missing out on free school meals due to restrictive eligibility criteria.
A DfE spokesperson said: “Over 1.9 million children are now eligible for free school meals and we communicate regularly with schools and councils so they know what is available for these children.
“We know millions of families are struggling with the rising cost of living, which is why we are providing more than £37 billion to target those with the greatest need.
“Our National School Breakfast Programme and the Holiday Activities and Food programme are also benefiting children across the country.”
FIGURE RISING – BUT FEAR MANY PUPILS MAY BE MISSING OUT