Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to help ensure that children who qualify for free school meals but (a) cannot physically attend school due to long-term medical conditions and (b) cannot eat meals provided by schools because of dietary requirements are able to receive free meals.

Schools have a duty to provide nutritious, free meals to pupils who meet the eligibility criteria. This includes registered pupils of state funded schools. Free school meal (FSM) provision should be made to eligible pupils either on the school premises or at any other place where education is being provided.

The Department expects schools to act reasonably in ensuring that their food provision accounts for medical, dietary, and cultural needs. The Department has published statutory guidance describing steps school may take, including the establishment of individual healthcare plans which may include special diets. This guidance is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/803956/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf#:~:text=On%201%20September%202014%20a%20new%20duty%20came,life%2C%20remain%20healthy%20and%20achieve%20their%20academic%20potential.

Local Authorities are funded to support children with special educational needs and disabilities, including those who are unable to attend school on a long term basis. The Department’s guidance on this can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/illness-child-education.

The Department does not plan to expand FSM to include pupils who are home or privately educated. The Department will continue to keep eligibility under review to ensure that these meals are supporting those who most need them.