Maintenance should not pay for free school meals

“Providing free school dinners or repairing old buildings or equipment should not be a choice for schools” said UNISON National Officer, Christine Lewis today (19 August).
 
The call comes in the wake of research from the LGA showing that some schools are taking money from their maintenance budgets to pay for free school dinners, because of under-funding.
 
Christine Lewis went on to say:
 
“UNISON welcomes the introduction of free school meals for young children, but their benefits come at a price.  However, we know that for many children the school dinner is their only hot meal of the day and is of enormous benefit in helping them concentrate on their lessons.
 
“It is no use the Government announcing policies, if schools are then forced to raid their maintenance budget in order to provide free meals.  These are twin policies that should be fully funded. It’s not either or.
 
“The health and safety of children must be of paramount importance to all and on-going maintenance is vital to keep all children safe. Many schools are already facing maintenance problems with children being taught in damp or cold classrooms.
 
“UNISON also has concerns that there are enough working hours in catering contracts so that our members are not unduly pressured when delivering the increased number of meals.”