Today’s Government announcement to extend the provision of free school meals from the start of the 2026 school year to include all pupils whose households receive Universal Credit is warmly welcomed by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD). As a supporter of the Free School Meals for All campaign, the Society has long been an advocator of free school meals for all primary school children in the UK.
However, whilst this announcement is a huge step in the right direction, it is important to note that it is not covering every child in primary education. We know that means-testing still leaves far too many pupils behind. As part of the Free School Meals for All coalition, BSPD continues to campaign for hot school dinners for all primary school children, nationwide.
Dr Shannu Bhatia, BSPD President said: “BSPD is delighted to hear today’s announcement from Government that will see more primary school children across the UK being entitled to receive free school meals. We know that ensuring every child gets the best start in life, and the nutrition they need is pivotal to their learning. As the UK’s society dedicated to improving the oral health and wellbeing of children, we welcome this progress but importantly we remain committed to pushing for this provision to cover ALL primary children.”
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary, National Education Union said: “The National Education Union is proud to have stood side by side with the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry to demand that no child goes hungry in school. Our members know the importance a hot, healthy school lunch makes – not just on children’s experience of education but on their oral health and wellbeing. Working together, we have achieved a huge win for our campaign to ensure no child is left behind and that so many thousands of families will now benefit from this roll out.”
