Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to ensure that pupils entitled to (a) benefits-related free school meals and (b) universal infant free school meals continue to receive support during the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown; and what plans he has to re-introduce the national free school meal voucher scheme.

During the period of national lockdown, schools should continue to provide meal options for all pupils who are in school. Meals should be available free of charge to all infant pupils and pupils who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals who are in school.

Schools should also continue to provide free school meal support to pupils who are eligible for benefits related free school meals and who are learning at home. Extra funding will be provided to support schools to provide food parcels or meals to eligible children. Where schools cannot offer food parcels or local alternatives, we will ensure a national voucher scheme is in place so that every eligible child can access free school meals while their school remains closed. Further guidance will be provided shortly.

Food parcels or vouchers are only available for children who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals. This includes children of infant age, that meet the free school meal eligibility criteria.