The Government should fund free school meals for children who are home-educated and who are medically unfit to attend school or are awaiting school placement. We believe no child should go hungry due to illness or lack of an appropriate school place.

Many families home educate not by choice but because their child is too unwell to attend school or awaiting a suitable placement. These children miss out on Free School Meals, despite having the same needs as some of their peers. Extending support could ensure fairness, reduce hardship, and protect these vulnerable children’s wellbeing.