More than three million children in families receiving Universal Credit will become eligible for free school meals from September as part of a package of measures aimed at reducing school-related costs.
The government estimates that the expansion will help lift more than 500,000 children out of poverty.
Further measures taking effect this term include the opening of 1,400 free breakfast clubs, government-funded childcare places and new restrictions on the use of expensive branded school uniform items.
The government estimates that families using free school meals, breakfast clubs and lower-cost uniforms could save up to £1,200 a year. Eligible working parents using funded childcare could save up to £8,000 annually.
Research published alongside the announcement found that a third of parents had cut back on treats and snacks or prepared meals in batches to manage household costs during the school term. One in ten said they had used a food bank or community support service.
More than 80% of parents surveyed said measures including free school meals, breakfast clubs and childcare support would help reduce pressure on family finances.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the start of the school year could be particularly expensive for parents because of the combined costs of uniforms, lunches and childcare.
She said: “Through our expansion of free school meals, more free breakfast clubs, childcare support and action on school uniform costs, we’re helping to ease the back-to-school squeeze.”
Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, said the measures would help address hunger in schools and support disadvantaged pupils.
He said: “Children can’t learn effectively when hungry, so these efforts will help tackle the effects of child poverty, as well as improving education outcomes for disadvantaged young people.
“Giving free school meals to all families who are eligible for Universal Credit is also easier for parents to understand, so has the potential to increase take-up rates.
“It’s not ‘job done’ on ending child poverty, but these collective initiatives mean a genuine improvement in the cost of living for many families around the UK.”
The 1,400 new breakfast clubs are intended to provide pupils with a meal before lessons and reduce the amount some parents spend on before-school childcare.
Around 9,000 childcare places are also due to be provided from September 2026 through approximately 450 new or expanded school-based nurseries. The government said placing more nursery provision on school sites could reduce the need for parents to make separate morning drop-offs.
The measures form part of the government’s wider approach to household costs, which also includes capped bus fares and support with energy bills.
