A new report highlights major gaps between children living in poverty and those receiving vital school support
A new report published by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) on Thursday 6 March explores the strengths and weaknesses of free school meals and Pupil Premium as measures for identifying disadvantaged pupils in England. The report finds significant differences between the number of children estimated to be living in poverty and those who are receiving free school meals and Pupil Premium.
Commenting on the findings, Chris Paterson, co-CEO at the Education Endowment Foundation, said: “The Pupil Premium – and free school meals – are among the most powerful tools we have to level the education playing field and ensure every child and young person receives the support they need. Yet this new report is a stark reminder that so many eligible pupils are currently missing out on this crucial support.”
“While there will never be a perfect measure of poverty, policymakers must address the low enrolment levels for free school meals. For the sector to effectively target resources towards the schools and areas that need them most, we need accurate, comparable, and timely data. This is central to our collective mission of breaking the link between family income and educational disadvantage.”
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