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More children than ever eligible for free school meals

Almost one-in-three pupils are eligible for free school meals
Almost one-in-three pupils are eligible for free school meals Almost one-in-three pupils are eligible for free school meals

THE number of school children eligible for free school meals has doubled in the past decade, new statistics reveal.

Almost one-in-three pupils are now eligible for free school meals (FSM) although almost 20,000 children do not take them.

Over the last five years, the numbers of young people entitled to food at zero cost has increased from about 73,000 to more than 102,000.

The figures has doubled since 2007 when those eligible stood at 56,000.

Meals are usually provided to pupils whose parents receive benefits or whose family income is less than £16,190.

However the greater numbers now eligible does not mean there are more `poor' pupils - instead the scheme was broadened to include post-primary pupils whose whose parents are entitled to working tax credits.

The Department of Education has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to eligibility criteria for FSM. Last year, the department provided funding of approximately £43.6 million to cover the costs of school meals.

The changes are necessary due to the roll out of Universal Credit for those who are on a low income or out of work. It will be introduced in Northern Ireland on a phased geographical basis from September 2017.

The department said forecasting suggested that this should have an overall effect of increasing the numbers of pupils eligible by around 2,000.

The newly-published 2016/17 School Meals in Northern Ireland Statistical Bulletin shows across all school types, 102,127 pupils are entitled to FSM in this academic year.

This represents 30.7 per cent of the total school enrolment, which is an increase of 1,064 pupils on the previous year

A lower proportion of nursery school - 35.6 per cent compared to 37.9 - and primary and preparatory department - 31.3 compared to 31.6 - pupils are FSM entitled compared to last year.

A higher proportion of non-grammar - 40.6 per cent to 39.9 - grammar -14.3 compared to 13.9 - and special school - 54 compared to 53.3 - are entitled this year compared to last.

The uptake of FSM on school meals census day this year was 82.2 per cent. A total of 19,036 pupils did not take their meals.

Uptake is highest in primary and preparatory departments and lowest in nursery schools.

Teaching unions have said some children feel stigmatised by being labelled as eligible for FSM. Surveys have found that some children would rather forego their lunch than be seen to be taking free school meals. Unions have called on the department to tackle this situation in a sensitive manner which enables children to avail of the help to which they are entitled.

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YEAR ENTITLED %

2016/17 102,127 30.7

2015/16 101,063 30.6

2014/15 97,518 29.7

2013/14 84,286 25.8

2012/13 79,810 25.0

2011/12 73,314 23.1

2010/11 64,139 20.2

2009/10 57,924 18.3

2008/09 54,076 17.0

2007/08 56,089 17.5