Free school meals expansion 'positive step forward' for Peterborough school
The Prime Minister's been speaking with pupils as part of a visit
The head at a Peterborough school believes struggling families will make the most of new government plans to tackle child poverty.
Teachers and staff at Welland Academy in the city were greeted by the Prime Minister - Sir Keir Starmer - and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson yesterday.
Their visit coincided with the Government's plans to introduce free school meals for all families on universal credit.
"We have just over 50% of our children on free school meals, but we know many more would benefit from us and we know our families who are financially struggling due to the cost of living would benefit from this," Jo Anderson, principal at Welland Academy, said.
"We know there needs to be more done for our children and families here, but we know this is a positive step forward."
The changes are due to come into force in September 2026 as part of a pledge to bring down child poverty levels.
It comes as the Chancellor is expected to scrap the two-child benefit cap in her Budget tomorrow (Wednesday) and as Sir Keir's child poverty strategy is due to be published in the coming weeks.
Speaking to us on his visit to Welland Academy, Sir Keir said "many people across the country are deeply concerned about child poverty.
"Child poverty in Peterborough is at 20,000; that's 20,000 children living in poverty (and) that is not acceptable."
Lib Dem education spokesperson Munira Wilson said the Government was not fully funding the free school meals programme.
"As it stands, schools would be forced to subsidise the expansion by £310 million a year, the equivalent of 7,700 specialist teachers, putting huge pressure on already stretched budgets," she said.
Child poverty is 'moral scar'
According to Government data, 268,000 children in the East of England are living in poverty.
Around 500,000 more children will get free school meals as part of the expansion, which the Government estimates will lift 100,000 children out of poverty.
Ms Phillipson said the issue of child poverty is "a moral scar.
"When children grow up in poverty, they do less well at school, their outcomes aren't as good, so it holds back our country and our economy, as well as the lasting impact it has on children."
Since 2018, children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income is less than £7,400 per year, meaning thousands of children living in poverty have been unable to access the scheme.
"We know that children need to have full bellies to be able to focus and concentrate on their learning," Mrs Anderson added.
"Giving them breakfast and proper school dinners helps them focus, especially in the afternoons when sometimes that focus does dwindle."