Skip to main content
Disadvantaged pupils denied crucial support by ‘out-of-touch’ means-testing, NEU says
School children in a classroom

The National Education Union (NEU) has slammed “out-of-touch” means-testing after research found significant differences between the number of children living in poverty and those receiving targeted support.

The Education Policy Institute warned that the numbers of disadvantaged youngsters not in receipt of free school meals or Pupil Premium government grants are “especially noticeable for children from certain communities, including those from Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian backgrounds.”

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said: “This report demonstrates how children and schools are missing out on crucial support because of out-of-touch bureaucracy blocking children’s access to food.

“Means testing means children missing out. The eligibility threshold for free school meals is a disgrace: a household income over £7,400 per year (before benefits) means a child is too well off to qualify.

“Worse still, the report shows how even those who meet the criteria are still not getting their entitlement. 

“We urge the government to make sure no child is missing out, by investing in our pupils with free school meals for all.”

Morning Star Conference - Race, Sex & Class
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories

A lunch tray in the school canteen
Britain / 12 March 2025
12 March 2025
Campaigners urge government to roll out universal free school meals