Universal free school meals are vital for lower income families, relieving financial strain.
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Parents and teachers have told City News that they believe that the Universal Free School Meal policy in state primary schools across London is hugely beneficial.
Sadiq Khan has said that he plans to continue the policy as long as he is mayor.
A recent survey by Impact on Urban Health has found that 84% of parents reported that the policy has helped or significantly improved household finances.
35% of parents also said that their child was enjoying school more because of the free meals provided.
City News spoke to Henry, a north London parent with two children now receiving free school meals, about the impact he thinks the policy has had.
“I think it’s been great. I think any reduced pressure, financially, for parents is amazing.
Kids get healthy meals and the support financially, especially with the cost of living crisis, has been really great.
From the other parents I’ve spoken to about it, everyone’s happy with it. So yeah, I think it’s been great.”
“It’s a great leveller”
City News also spoke to Lizzie, a primary school teacher of over 20 years, to hear her views on the policy’s effects.
“I think kids are eating better, particularly amongst the low-income families who might usually go for cheap sandwiches. Now we can ensure that kids get a good nutritional balance for lunch.
In general, a good diet helps the children focus on their learning much more. So, the policy has had a great effect, it’s a great leveller.”
Concerns
Some critics have raised concerns about the policy, suggesting that free school meals should be means-tested to save the taxpayer money.
Conservative councillor and London Assembly member Susan Hall has questioned the quality of some of the meals.
“In some cases they’ll [parents] be complementary. In other cases they say they are so bad, they’re not worth taking up.
I’ve been sent pictures of somebodies lunch that was literally just a slice of bread and one of those triangle things with cheese in it, and that was it.”
Going forward
There is currently no allocation for an extension of free school meals beyond the current academic year, which is expected to cost £140 million.
Despite this, the mayor’s chief-of-staff David Bellamy has stated that funding for the policy will be included in the draft budget to be released in January.
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HeadlineUniversal Free School Meals very popular amongst parents and teachers
Short HeadlineFree School Meals popular amongst parents
StandfirstSadiq Khan has announced that he wants to continue the policy as long as he is mayor.
Parents and teachers have told City News that they believe that the Universal Free School Meal policy in state primary schools across London is hugely beneficial.
Sadiq Khan has said that he plans to continue the policy as long as he is mayor.
A recent survey by Impact on Urban Health has found that 84% of parents reported that the policy has helped or significantly improved household finances.
35% of parents also said that their child was enjoying school more because of the free meals provided.
City News spoke to Henry, a north London parent with two children now receiving free school meals, about the impact he thinks the policy has had.
“I think it’s been great. I think any reduced pressure, financially, for parents is amazing.
Kids get healthy meals and the support financially, especially with the cost of living crisis, has been really great.
From the other parents I’ve spoken to about it, everyone’s happy with it. So yeah, I think it’s been great.”
“It’s a great leveller”
City News also spoke to Lizzie, a primary school teacher of over 20 years, to hear her views on the policy’s effects.
“I think kids are eating better, particularly amongst the low-income families who might usually go for cheap sandwiches. Now we can ensure that kids get a good nutritional balance for lunch.
In general, a good diet helps the children focus on their learning much more. So, the policy has had a great effect, it’s a great leveller.”
Concerns
Some critics have raised concerns about the policy, suggesting that free school meals should be means-tested to save the taxpayer money.
Conservative councillor and London Assembly member Susan Hall has questioned the quality of some of the meals.
“In some cases they’ll [parents] be complementary. In other cases they say they are so bad, they’re not worth taking up.
I’ve been sent pictures of somebodies lunch that was literally just a slice of bread and one of those triangle things with cheese in it, and that was it.”
Going forward
There is currently no allocation for an extension of free school meals beyond the current academic year, which is expected to cost £140 million.
Despite this, the mayor’s chief-of-staff David Bellamy has stated that funding for the policy will be included in the draft budget to be released in January.
