SOME schoolchildren newly entitled to free dinners from September could miss out because parents are unaware, a charity has warned.

The Child Poverty Action Group (Cpag) has urged the government to do more to let families know of the policy change.
Effective from next month, the widened eligibility is expected to lead to more than half a million extra pupils becoming eligible for Free School Meals.

The change means all households on universal credit above the current £7,400 income cap will qualify, with families able to save up to £495 per year per child.

Of the 201 parents in England whose children will newly qualify, 55 per cent were unaware they will be affected, Cpag research shows.

Head of education policy Kate Anstey said the government “have left the job half done,” adding: “With so many families struggling, it’s on government to ensure the country’s children get what little help is available.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said the policy change is “enormously welcome” but that “checking eligibility will create additional barriers and unnecessary workload for schools.”

He said that the situation “could be avoided entirely” through auto-enrolment.

The government was contacted for comment.