Compelling case for free school meals

Commenting on the final report from Hull Council’s pilot of free school meals for primary children, Child Poverty Action Group’s Chief Executive, Kate Green, said:

“The Hull research provides a compelling case for the benefits of free school meals not just to the poorest children in a class, but the whole school.

“The current national approach of limited targeting to the poorest has failed to reach all those children who need it. Free school meals for all leaves no child behind and no child too hungry to learn.

“If Britain is to have better schools, we cannot leave an important report that proves what really works gathering dust. Every politician who has promised voters to improve school behaviour, improve school results, support teachers, support parents and end child poverty must now sign up.”

Notes for editors

• The report was originally complete in January 2008 and the current Hull administration decided not to distribute it, but it has now been published on Hull University website: http://www.hull.ac.uk/ifl-research/finalreport.pdf
• Child Poverty Action Group is calling for the extension of free school meals as part of the 2 skint 4 school campaign. Research shows child poverty is the main factor in educational failure. Ending child poverty will help ensure every child fulfils their potential and Britain’s education results get better. For more information see: www.cpag.org.uk/2skint4school
• CPAG is one of over 100 member organisations of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, campaigning for public and political commitment to ensure the goals of halving child poverty by 2010 and ending child poverty by 2020 are met.

For further information please contact:
Tim Nichols
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
tnichols@cpag.org.uk