- More than 500,000 additional pupils will become eligible for free school meals from September as the Government expands eligibility to all households on Universal Credit.
- A survey by the Child Poverty Action Group found that 55 per cent of affected parents are unaware of the change, raising concerns that many families will miss out.
- The policy expansion could save families up to £495 per child annually and is projected to lift around 100,000 children out of poverty.
- Charities and school leaders are urging the Government to directly inform families or implement auto-enrolment rather than placing the administrative burden on schools.
- The Department for Education highlighted that it is working with schools and local councils to ensure eligible parents are informed about the £1 billion initiative.
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