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This from Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary, Treasurer & Press Officer, Isle of Wight – National Education Union. Ed
Last year the local NEU petition ‘No Island Child Left Behind’ collected 573 signatures. This term, the National Education Union is renewing its call for a free hot school lunch for every child in every primary school.
The national emphasis will be a Free School Meals (FSM) for All National Tour travelling to as many schools as possible. Possibly to the Isle of Wight too. The bus was first seen at this Easter’s national NEU conference in Bournemouth.
Hungry pupils struggle to learn
The evidence is clear: Hungry pupils struggle to learn.
This is why when Sadiq Khan became the first person ever to win a third term as Mayor of London, he stood by his pre-election promise to make FSM permanent for all primary school children in London.
This can and should be the future for all primary children on the Isle of Wight too.
London has shown what’s possible
Schools are increasingly under pressure to support families. Schools are now expected to be more than just education. Schools are superb at filling the gaps, but there is still a shortage of services.
If we can entice the bus to the Island and encourage pupils to participate in some way, we can make a difference to the lives and education of young pupils.
Let’s help children thrive; free school meals for all primary pupils will certainly help!
Image: Free School Meals bus outside Bournemouth conference
