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More pupils can claim free meals More pupils can claim free meals
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The number of children eligible for free school meals in England has risen by 21,410 - the first annual increase in three years, official figures show.The number of children eligible for free school meals in England has risen by 21,410 - the first annual increase in three years, official figures show.
The figures from the 2009 school census showed a rise from 15.5% to 15.9% in primary schools and from 13.1% to 13.4% in secondary.The figures from the 2009 school census showed a rise from 15.5% to 15.9% in primary schools and from 13.1% to 13.4% in secondary.
Anti-poverty groups say it is more evidence that the recession is biting.Anti-poverty groups say it is 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.The Department for Children, Schools and Families says it has lifted 500,000 children out of relative poverty.
The statistics, an annual census of the school population taken each January, also show an increase in the number of pupils with English as a second language.The statistics, an annual census of the school population taken each January, also show an increase in the number of pupils with English as a second language.
In primary schools, 15.2% of pupils speak English as a second language, up from 14.3% last year. Among secondary pupils, there are 11.1% speaking English as a second language, up from 10.6% in 2008.In primary schools, 15.2% of pupils speak English as a second language, up from 14.3% last year. Among secondary pupils, there are 11.1% speaking English as a second language, up from 10.6% in 2008.
Including pupils in special schools, it means that there are almost 866,000 pupils in the school system who do not speak English as their first language. The total for children who are native English speakers is 5.7 million.Including pupils in special schools, it means that there are almost 866,000 pupils in the school system who do not speak English as their first language. The total for children who are native English speakers is 5.7 million.
In primary schools, the percentage of pupils from a minority ethnic origin increased from 23.3% in 2008 to 24.5% in 2009.
And in secondary schools, the percentage of pupils from a minority ethnic origin rose from 19.5% in 2008 to 20.6% in 2009.
'Fair chance''Fair chance'
On the growth in free school meal pupils, Kate Green from the Child Poverty Action Group said the effects of the recession and job losses had built up gradually.On the growth in free school meal pupils, 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 to which they were entitled.She said unemployment was likely to rise and parents losing their jobs should make sure they were accessing the free meals to which they were entitled.
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.
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 spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families 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 spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families 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.