Many of you will have seen that the government has announced that it is expanding eligibility for free school meals.
As the city council’s former cabinet member for education, and from talking over the years to so many people across our city who work in schools and with young people, I know the difference that free school meals can make – both for children and adults.
As teachers have told me, if children are hungry they can’t concentrate. Free school meals help with children’s health and attainment and can have a lasting impact right the way through to adulthood. And of course, they can also be a lifeline for parents who are struggling with budgets – particularly in a cost of living crisis.
This change will mean that up to 5,740 children in my Southampton Itchen constituency will be able to access free school meals from September next year, saving eligible families in the city nearly £500 per child each year and making a big difference to household budgets.
I think this is another signal of our commitment to children and families and good news for the city.
The Department for Education has some helpful information for parents and carers about what to expect following yesterday’s announcement.
As always, I’m interested in views on these announcements , particularly those of you who work in schools or with young people. Do contact me directly if you’d like to discuss in more depth.