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<p>Since 2010, the number of children receiving a free meal at school has increased
by more than two million. This increase in provision is due to the introduction of
universal infant free school meals and generous protections put in place as benefit
recipients move across to universal credit.</p><p>The Department will continue to
keep all free school meal (FSM) eligibility under review to ensure that these meals
are supporting those who most need them. Most recently, the Department has:</p><ul><li>Permanently
extended eligibility for FSM to children from families with No Recourse to Public
Funds.</li><li>Introduced new eligibility criteria in April 2018 in recognition of
the transition to Universal Credit. The arrangements in place are forecast to reach
more children than would have been the case under the legacy system. There are currently
1.9 million pupils that receive a nutritious FSM through this benefits related criteria.</li><li>Supported
around 1.25 million more infants to enjoy a free, healthy, and nutritious meal at
lunchtime following the introduction of universal infant free school meals in 2014.</li><li>Extended
FSM to disadvantaged further education students in September 2014.</li><li>Increased
per pupil funding rate for universal infant free school meals to approximately £18
million per year, in recognition of rising costs. More information is available here:
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/boost-in-activities-and-food-pledged-to-support-children--2"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/boost-in-activities-and-food-pledged-to-support-children--2</a>.</li></ul><p>Over
a third of pupils in England now receive FSM, compared with one in six in 2010. The
Department has made further funding available to the National School Breakfast Programme
to extend the programme for another year, backed by up to £30 million. Research has
revealed the benefits breakfast clubs have had on children in disadvantaged areas,
including with their improved readiness to be taught, increased concentration, and
improved wellbeing and behaviour.</p><p> </p>
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