ASCL comment on national voucher scheme for free school meals

Commenting on the government announcement about a national voucher scheme for free school meals, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are pleased that the government has sorted out this voucher scheme for families who are eligible for free school meals. To date, schools have been making their own local arrangements, so the availability of a national scheme will be some relief.

“But let’s be under no illusions. This will be a tough situation for struggling families. They will have to provide lunches for each child for £3 a day, which is obviously not very much. We recognise that this is above the rate that is paid to schools, to allow for the fact that families cannot order food in bulk in the same way. Nevertheless, it will be challenging for parents and carers who already have the extra cost of children unexpectedly at home for an extended period.

“We will be monitoring the situation with our members and representing their feedback to the government.”