Government confirms end of plans to scrap UIFSM
05 Jul 2017
Schools minister Nick Gibb yesterday confirmed that the Government has shelved any plans it might have had to get rid of universal infant free school meals (UIFSM).
In its election manifesto the Conservative Party had proposed scrapping free lunches for all 5-7 year olds and replacing this with a subsidised breakfast scheme.
Responding to a question in the House of Commons yesterday from Labour's education spokesman Angela Rayner, Gibb said: "We have listened very carefully to the views of the sector on the proposal to remove infant free school meals and we have decided that it is right to retain the existing provision.
"Universal infant free school meals ensure that children receive a nutritious meal during the day - it saves hardworking families hundreds of pounds a year and it boosts educational achievement, especially amongst children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds."