Before everyone gets too excited about @educationgovuk U turn on offering FSM vouchers over Easter

A few points to highlight (aside from the ridiculous fact it was announced on a Saturday after Schools had broken up)

Firstly there is a complete lack of detail from Mr Gove on how this will work in practice

During the recent policy void almost all schools made their own arrangements for Easter be that food parcels or supermarket vouchers

So far there’s no specific commitment to refund schools

Also an important point missed by many

Schools receive just £11.50 pw for a FSM

@educationgovuk have now gone & told parents they’ll get a £15 voucher

This is only available to schools using the DfE/Edenred system (which at this point in time hasn’t been overly reliable)

So unless there is another U-turn and DfE fund every school equally, despite the excitement over announcement, the vast majority of schools will still be out of pocket

The announcement also highlights questions around which children will be eligible and when

As Mr Gove told everyone about these changes after the majority of schools had broken up, its inevitable that the system will have to be retrospective to some degree

With over a million people applying for Universal Credits over the past few weeks, schools and parents alike have been left hanging, waiting to see which families will be considered eligible

This is because once an application for UC is made, there’s a 5 week “processing” period, during which time children are not eligible for FSM, even is the claim is eventually successful

If they backdate eligiblity, DfE will have to consider where the new cut off point to will be

There will also be questions around those living in poverty but don’t meet the current,fairly strict, FSM eligibility criteria

If schools know a family is struggling & provide a meal irrespective of FSM status, will Dfe include them in any settlement?

Will they trust schools?

With the precedent of FSM support during holidays well and truly set (about time) the next unintended consequence could well be setting the groundwork for a more equitable system for UC claimants who qualify for FSM

None of this should deflect from the appalling way @educationgovuk have mishandled this whole thing, leaving schools hanging over funding, pouring unnecessary pressure onto heads

But there is a chance of redemption

DfE have the opportunity to properly fund FSM pupils in school holidays

Pay for FSM from day one of any UC claim

Expand FSM eligible to include more families living in food poverty

The Gov are well on the way, let’s hope someone gives them an extra push in the right direction

This thread expands on the issues around UC & FSM

I suppose it all depends on how much we trust & confidence we have in this Government to do the right thing & help the pooorest & weakest in society https://twitter.com/ajjolley/status/1245305125322797056