Make free school meals automatic for all children in kinship care, including those under Special Guardianship Orders and Child Arrangements Orders, regardless of household income. Kinship carers save the state money and should not be financially penalised for stepping up.

Kinship carers step in during trauma, neglect, bereavement or family crisis, often preventing children from entering the care system and saving the Government thousands each year. Many of these children are recognised as vulnerable and qualify for Pupil Premium Plus, yet kinship carers are expected to pay for school meals if they do not claim benefits. This unfairly penalises families who step up to keep children safe.