MPs can improve take up of free school meals and pupil premium, says NAHT

The NAHT is calling on MPs to support the addition of a new clause in the Digital Economy Bill, which would enable local councils to share benefit data and allow for auto-registration of free school means

School leaders’ union NAHT is calling on MPs to support the addition of a new clause in the Digital Economy Bill, which would enable local councils to share the benefit data they hold with schools. This would ensure children are automatically enrolled to receive free school meals, rather than having to apply for this.

The Digital Economy Bill allows for greater data sharing between government departments and local authorities.

Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, says: “We know that not all children who are eligible for free school meals claim them. The government can change that by accepting this amendment today.
“Auto-registration for free school meals would ensure more children get the support they are entitled to. Schools would also see a boost in funding through the pupil premium, which is given to schools to support children registered for free school meals. At a time when school budgets are being pushed beyond breaking point, and an Autumn Statement delivers nothing beyond the government’s project of grammar schools, this change could deliver much needed support and money for children and schools.”

James Bowen, director of middle leaders’ union NAHT Edge, says: “With universal infant free school meals, many schools have seen a drop off in the number of children claiming free school meals from Year 3 onwards when the universal entitlement no longer applies. The government created this cliff edge, and it can address it today by bringing in auto-registration. This is a small change that could make a huge difference to children and schools. If the government is truly committed to social mobility, surely it should make the easiest of changes to give all disadvantaged children the support they deserve.”