Children missing out on free school meals, says MP

More than 700 children in West Leeds are missing out on free school meals despite being eligible for them, according to local MP John Battle (Lab, Leeds West).

Mr Battle has urged parents to check whether their children qualify for free school meals after his parliamentary question to Education Minister Kevin Brennan revealed that nearly 10% of eligible pupils in West Leeds Secondary schools were not taking up their entitlement.

He said: “I was surprised by the number of children in our area missing out on what they are entitled to. There is clearly a take-up gap, which is much bigger in West Leeds than it is nationally. Parents may not realise they are eligible, so it is well worth checking with Council to see if your child should receive free school meals.”

The answer received by Mr Battle shows that 364 Nursery and Primary school children in West Leeds are currently missing out on free school meals. For Secondary schools, the figure was 339.

Mr Battle said: “For a whole number of reasons, free school meals can make a real difference to a child’s education. It has been proven to help children with their concentration and of course provides important nutrition. We need to get every single child who is eligible to take-up their entitlement.”

Parents can claim free school meals for their children if they receive income support, income-based job seekers allowance, guaranteed credit, or child tax credit if on a yearly income of less than £14,495 but not in receipt of working tax credit. To claim, parents should call Leeds City Council on 0845 127 0113.

©John Battle MP 15 January 2008

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