Nursery World - Millions of pounds 'missing' in school meals funding

Millions of pounds allocated by the Government for free school meals for some of the poorest children in the country is unaccounted for, according to a new report.

The research 'Hungry for Change', published today by anti-poverty charity Feeding Britain, estimates that in one year £88.3 million allocated to local authorities to provide free school meals for eligible children ‘disappeared’.

This estimate has prompted Frank Field MP to request a National Audit Office inquiry into the free school meals budget.

The report’s findings are due to be discussed today during a debate on the Children's Future Food Inquiry.

The researchers from Northumbria University’s Healthy Living Research Lab analysed data for primary and secondary pupils in England who were eligible for and claiming free school meals.

All pupils in state funded schools, up to the age of seven, are entitled to universal infant free school meals. For pupils who are older than seven, their eligibility is means tested.

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