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'More pupils' to claim free meals | 'More pupils' to claim free meals |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The number of children eligible for free school meals in England is expected to have risen by 17,370 - the first annual increase in four years. | The number of children eligible for free school meals in England is expected to have risen by 17,370 - the first annual increase in four years. |
Government figures are likely to confirm a 0.4% rise across all ages from January 2008 to 2009. | |
Anti-poverty groups say it is yet more evidence that the recession is biting. | Anti-poverty groups say it is yet more evidence that the recession is biting. |
The Department for Children, Schools and Families says it has lifted 500,000 children out of relative poverty and aims to end child poverty by 2020. | The Department for Children, Schools and Families says it has lifted 500,000 children out of relative poverty and aims to end child poverty by 2020. |
'Fair chance' | 'Fair chance' |
Families are eligible for free school meals if they have an income, including benefits, below £16,000 per year. | Families are eligible for free school meals if they have an income, including benefits, below £16,000 per year. |
Kate Green from the Child Poverty Action Group said the effects of the recession and job losses had built up gradually. | Kate Green from the Child Poverty Action Group said the effects of the recession and job losses had built up gradually. |
Kate Green, Child Poverty Action Group: "Good information for parents is important" | Kate Green, Child Poverty Action Group: "Good information for parents is important" |
She said unemployment was likely to rise and parents losing their jobs should make sure they were accessing the free meals they were entitled to. | She said unemployment was likely to rise and parents losing their jobs should make sure they were accessing the free meals they were entitled to. |
In June, the government published a child poverty bill which pledged a duty to eradicate child poverty by 2020 with the help of local authorities, the NHS and police. | In June, the government published a child poverty bill which pledged a duty to eradicate child poverty by 2020 with the help of local authorities, the NHS and police. |
A DCSF spokesman said: "We're determined not to abandon communities to long-term unemployment and risk generations of families falling into and staying in poverty... every child matters and deserves a fair chance to succeed." | A DCSF spokesman said: "We're determined not to abandon communities to long-term unemployment and risk generations of families falling into and staying in poverty... every child matters and deserves a fair chance to succeed." |
Pupils who fell behind would get guaranteed intensive support, 3,000 Sure Start Centres had been created and all children had access to extended services outside school hours, the spokesman added. | Pupils who fell behind would get guaranteed intensive support, 3,000 Sure Start Centres had been created and all children had access to extended services outside school hours, the spokesman added. |