A new survey by the National Education Union highlights the financial difficulties faced by parents in providing lunch for their children, with a growing call for the implementation of free school meals for all state primary school children in England.
A recent survey conducted by the National Education Union (NEU) has highlighted a growing consensus among parents in England on the need for free school meals for all state primary school children. The survey, which included feedback from over 1,500 primary school children, revealed 26% of parents have cut back on family expenses, with more than half reducing their food shopping since the school year began. Additionally, one in three parents reported providing less food, especially less healthy options, for their children’s lunchboxes due to struggles with food costs.
The research found that 37% of children are aware of peers who sometimes do not have enough food to eat at lunch, and over a quarter have shared food with classmates due to inadequate funds. The Scottish Government and Wales have already committed to providing free school meals for primary pupils, prompting calls for the UK Government to extend the initiative to England. Stakeholders are urging policymakers to prioritize the well-being of young people in the upcoming Spring Budget.
Meanwhile, the Labour party has proposed treating private schools as businesses, making them liable for VAT to support struggling state schools. This proposal has sparked a debate on private schools’ contributions to the education system, comparing it to Finland’s model, which has largely abolished private schooling.
The backdrop to these discussions includes the lasting impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and austerity measures on children in England. Poverty among young people has significantly worsened, with 4.2 million children living in relative poverty. The country faces challenges in education, health outcomes, and child protection, with a rising number of children being looked after by the state and an increase in vulnerabilities such as exploitation, homelessness, and online abuse.
The NEU’s findings highlight a broader concern about the cost-of-living crisis affecting families across the country. With a prevailing consensus among parents and carers—more than 88% outside London support free school meals for all state primary school children—the campaign for expanding free school meals is gaining momentum. The NEU’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, has emphasized the critical importance of addressing these issues to ensure the welfare of young people in England.
