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Anne Longfield Calls for Greater Investment in Tackling Child Poverty

In a recent report from the Centre for Young Lives think tank, former Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield has urged schools to move away from temporary solutions and invest more in tackling child poverty. Longfield, in partnership with the Child of the North, has put forth a series of recommendations aimed at reducing the impact of poverty on millions of children.

Universal Free School Meals Targeted at Disadvantaged Areas

The report suggests that universal free school meals should be initially targeted at schools in boroughs and wards with the most disadvantaged populations. Currently, children in state schools in England can only receive free school meals if their parents or carers receive certain benefits. Longfield’s report advocates for “targeted proportionate universalism” to help uplift communities facing deep-rooted poverty.

Expanding Free School Meals Eligibility

The report also calls for the expansion of free school meals eligibility to children in all families receiving Universal Credit (UC). It recommends automatic registration of eligible families for free school meals to be implemented without delay. The aim is to address the issue of child poverty more effectively and ensure that no child goes hungry at school.

Impact of Child Poverty on School Attendance

Data from the Connected Bradford project revealed that over half of persistently absent pupils were eligible for free school meals. Children in poverty were found to be three times more likely to have attendance issues compared to their peers. Longfield emphasized the need for schools to receive adequate funding and resources to address the challenges posed by child poverty.

Government Response to Child Poverty

In response to the report, a Government spokesperson highlighted the efforts made to extend eligibility for free school meals to more groups of children. The spokesperson mentioned the record cost-of-living support provided to vulnerable families and the measures taken to alleviate financial pressures. However, Longfield stressed that more comprehensive action is needed to combat child poverty effectively.

Overall, the call for greater investment in tackling child poverty is vital to ensure that every child has access to the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.

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