Valerie Welcomes Expansion of Free School Meals For Pupils in Walsall and Bloxwich

I am delighted that children and families in Walsall and Bloxwich will be supported by the Government’s plans to expand eligibility for Free School Meals to all households on Universal Credit from the start of the 2026 school year. This will make life easier and more affordable for parents who struggle the most, as the latest step in Labour’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity.

The figures from the 2024/25 school census show that in January 2025, 9,254 pupils were entitled to benefit-based free school meals, which is  41.8% of pupils in Walsall and Bloxwich and compared with 25.7% in England.

With this expansion of pupils eligible for free school meals, the Department of Education estimates there were 14,580 school aged children in Universal Credit claiming households as of November 2024 in Walsall and Bloxwich who could be eligible for free school meals under this policy if their parents apply.

Providing nutritious meals is also a priority and the Government is working with experts and the Food Standards Agency to help children develop healthy eating habits, revising the School Food Standards to ensure that every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance to provide quality meals.

I visited Goldsmith Primary who were in the first wave of 750 schools  selected to offer a free breakfast club for parents and children who need them and  I saw first hand how important a good breakfast is for children.

I was pleased to drop off some books for the breakfast club from The Reading Agency who  provided me with a box of books to encourage children to read for pleasure. ”

All our children in Walsall and Bloxwich who need it, will be provided with breakfast clubs, free school meals and healthier meals ensuring a good start to the day.”

(Main photo: Goldsmith Primary Breakfast club in May 2025)