Anne Longfield : “Targeted Free School Meals in Poor Areas – Report”

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Anne Longfield Calls for Greater Investment to Tackle Child Poverty

In a recent report released by Anne Longfield’s Centre for Young Lives think tank, in partnership with Child of the North, it was highlighted that schools are struggling to address child poverty with temporary solutions. Longfield emphasized the need for increased investment to combat the impact of poverty on millions of children.

Universal Free School Meals Targeted at Most Disadvantaged Areas

The report recommends the implementation of universal free school meals (FSM) initially targeted at schools in boroughs and wards with the highest populations of disadvantaged children. Currently, children in state schools in England are only eligible for FSM if their parent or carer receives certain benefits.

The concept of “targeted proportionate universalism” is proposed to uplift communities facing deep-rooted poverty. The report suggests that local authorities should identify schools serving children in the greatest poverty to prioritize the provision of free school meals.

Expansion of Free School Meals to Families Receiving Universal Credit

The report advocates for the extension of FSM eligibility to all families receiving Universal Credit (UC) and calls for immediate implementation of automatic registration for eligible families. Currently, families on UC are only entitled to FSM if their post-tax earnings are below £7,400 per year.

Impact of Poverty on School Attendance

Data from the Connected Bradford project revealed that over half of persistently absent pupils were eligible for FSM. Additionally, children receiving FSM were three times more likely to have periods of persistent absence compared to their peers. This highlights the correlation between poverty and school attendance.

Anne Longfield’s Call for Action

Anne Longfield, executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives, emphasized that child poverty should no longer be ignored in Westminster. She urged for schools to be equipped with the necessary tools and funding to address poverty effectively, without resorting to temporary fixes.

Longfield stressed the importance of making Free School Meals a long-term ambition for all schools, starting with those in areas with the highest concentration of disadvantaged children. She emphasized that investment in education is being undermined by the failure to address the effects of poverty within the system.

Government Response

In response to the report, a Government spokesperson highlighted the initiatives taken to extend eligibility for free school meals to more children. They mentioned the support provided to vulnerable households through cost-of-living assistance and the Household Support Fund. The Government aims to alleviate financial burdens and ensure that children in need receive the necessary support.

Overall, the report sheds light on the pressing issue of child poverty in schools and calls for sustainable solutions to address this challenge effectively.

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