Responding to research from the Child Poverty Action Group which found more than half of parents newly-eligible for free school meals once the scheme expands this autumn are unaware they will qualify, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“While the expansion of free school meals to children in households in receipt of universal credit is enormously welcome, checking eligibility will create additional barriers and unnecessary workload for schools.

“We urge the DWP and DfE to use the records at their disposal to directly inform newly-eligible families. This would ensure they and their children benefit as soon as possible, while alleviating the burden on schools and parents.

“This situation could be avoided entirely through the introduction of auto-enrolment for free school meals, something NAHT has long called for.”