Campaigner Urges Government to Restore Link Between Free School Meals and Holiday Support
Quick Brief
Andrew Forsey has called on the government to reconnect free school meals with the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme. The appeal highlights that newly eligible families are disqualified from holiday support, threatening term-time progress. The policy change affects low-income working parents who earn as little as £7,500 annually.
What Happened?
Andrew Forsey published a letter addressing a policy gap affecting low-income families during school holidays. While the government expanded means-tested free school meals during term time, eligibility for the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme has been disconnected from free school meals. Consequently, roughly 500,000 children from poorer backgrounds who receive term-time assistance are unable to access holiday nutritional and childcare support.
Why It Matters
Critics warn that removing the automatic link to holiday provisions jeopardizes the well-being and developmental gains of children in low-income households. Working parents earning minimal annual incomes face a severe lack of accessible childcare and nutritional aid during school breaks, potentially reversing the benefits of term-time assistance.
Key Facts
- Andrew Forsey urged the government to restore the link between free school meals and the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme.
- Around 500,000 children in poorer families face a loss of support during school holidays.
- Eligibility for the HAF programme has historically been tied directly to receipt of free school meals.
- The policy disconnect impacts working parents earning as little as £7,500 per year.
- The HAF programme provides nutritious meals, enriching activities, and free childcare.
Compiled from 1 outlet
Related Stories
Suspect in Notorious 'Putney Pusher' Incident Found Dead at Home
The man identified as the suspect in the nine-year-old 'Putney pusher' case has been found dead at his residence. The notorious incident involved a jogger shoving a woman into the path of an oncoming bus.
UK Government Agrees to Fully Fund Teachers' Pay Rise Following Union Pressure
The UK government has executed a sudden reversal by agreeing to fully fund an upcoming teacher pay increase in England. The decision comes after the National Education Union pressed ministers and prepared for an upcoming strike ballot regarding previous funding arrangements that would have required schools to cover portions of the cost from their own budgets. The union has hailed the full funding commitment as a major success.
Suffolk Police Release CCTV of Missing Toddler Noah Woods
Suffolk Police have released CCTV footage of three-year-old Noah Woods following his disappearance from a playground in Brantham. The video captures the child in a local park roughly thirty minutes before he went missing. Authorities are utilizing the footage as part of their ongoing search efforts.
Solicitor for Lucy Letby Victims' Families Blames Hospital Management for Delaying Police Intervention
The solicitor representing the families of victims affected by nurse Lucy Letby has sharply criticized hospital management. This follows findings from the Thirlwall Inquiry, which identified multiple leadership failures in responding to early safety concerns.