Free School Meals

In 2021/22, 12% of households with children were food insecure, with 5% living with very low food security.

I am therefore concerned that too many children arrive at school not ready to learn. I want to break down barriers to opportunity for every child, at every stage. This is why I welcome the Government’s pledge to fund free breakfast clubs in every primary school, accessible to all children.

A study conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation showed that breakfast clubs already in place in England have raised attainment for pupils at age seven. Crucially, these benefits were not reserved for pupils who attended breakfast clubs, with pupils who did not attend also achieving better learning outcomes owing to calmer classroom environments.

I share the Prime Minister’s belief that for too long children have been left behind, and no decisive action has been taken to address the root causes of poverty. This is unacceptable. No child should be left hungry, cold or have their future held back.

I therefore welcome that the Government has immediately begun working towards a new child poverty strategy and will be seeking the views of experts, parents and teachers. It will immediately begin considering what tools are available to it in terms of household income, employment, housing, children’s health, childcare and education to improve children’s experiences and chances at life.

I am also pleased by the Government’s decision to end the VAT exemption and business rates relief for private schools starting from January 2025. I believe this policy change will free up additional funds to be invested where they are most needed - in our state schools. Taken with the decision to recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects, this will raise school standards for every child, and ensure they are prepared for the future.