An additional half a million children will receive Free School Meals, lifting another 100,000 children out of poverty thanks to historic actions by the Labour Government. This is the Labour difference: supporting families and children to thrive.

Northumberland Labour had an important policy during the Local Elections that proposed automatic enrollment for children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). This initiative would have put money into the pockets of parents and schools, but most importantly, it would ensure that healthy, nutritious meals reach the children of Northumberland.

Over 1,000 school children in Northumberland have been missing out on these meals due to non-application. It is essential to begin efforts that encourage and assist all eligible families in applying so that no one is left behind.

To guarantee quality and nutrition in meals moving forward, the government is acting swiftly with experts from the sector to revise the School Food Standards. This will ensure that every school has access to the latest nutritional guidance.

This new entitlement will apply to children in all settings where free school meals are currently provided, including schools, school-based nurseries, and Further Education settings. We expect that the majority of schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year in 2026 by providing their National Insurance Number to verify eligibility.

Schools and local authorities will continue to receive pupil premium funding and home-to-school transport extended rights funding based on the existing Free School Meals threshold.

Scott Dickinson MBE, Leader of Northumberland Labour, said: “I am thrilled to see this positive action by our government to protect and support the most struggling families in Northumberland and across the UK.

I never want to see any child in Northumberland go hungry. Expanding eligibility for school meals will not only help achieve this goal but also alleviate the financial burden on parents who won’t have to pay for school meals anymore.

We all know that children learn and grow better when they receive proper nutrition, so it is essential that they have access to good, wholesome food. This will help teachers and schools continue to provide excellent education, as well-nourished children are more focused and ready to learn.

In these uncertain times, the government’s firm commitment to support families is a very welcome move.”