The Scottish Government has been criticised by the country’s Children’s Commissioner over the decision to scrap plans for universal free school meals for primary school pupils.
The decision was revealed in the Programme for Government last week – but not mentioned by First Minister John Swinney in his speech – to roll back the commitment.
The rollout would now not include all children in Primary 6 and 7, only those who were in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment.
Warm words about tackling child poverty do not keep children warm, nor do they put food in their tummies
Mr Swinney’s Government has been heavily criticised over the move, with Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner, issuing a terse statement on Tuesday in response.
Speaking ahead of a Scottish Tory-forced vote on the issue on Wednesday, the Commissioner said the rollout of universal free school meals was “vital”.
“Warm words about tackling child poverty do not keep children warm, nor do they put food in their tummies,” she said.
“Going to school hungry is not only a barrier to learning and educational achievement but it can severely impact development in childhood and into adulthood.
“Providing access to universal school meals is vital; it helps reduce stigma and reinforces the understanding of food as a human right.
“We know that children who experience food insecurity are more likely to experience poor health, obesity and malnutrition, as well as other challenges to their physical and mental development.”
She added: “Any rollback or dilution of commitments to universal provision of school meals for P1-P7 can only be seen as a broken promise to children by the Scottish Government – the same government that just put children’s rights into law this summer.”
Ms Killean went on to say she had heard stories of some children buying extra food to share with their poorer classmates, while teachers are also stepping in to help those who cannot eat.
“The right to food is an entitlement, not a charitable act, and it is shameful that pressure is being felt by other children and the school community to solve this issue when the Scottish Government is choosing not to,” she said.
The Commissioner pointed to Mr Swinney’s position as Education Secretary under Nicola Sturgeon when the SNP made the pledge to extend free school meals to all pupils in primary school, adding: “Food insecurity and experiencing poverty is a violation of children’s rights and the Scottish Government must do all it can to meet its human rights obligations.”
The SNP currently does not hold a majority in the Scottish Parliament, meaning it could face losing the Wednesday vote if it does not receive the backing of other parties.