Wales 'must do more to boost poor pupils' aspirations'

1 Feb 11
Almost a third of eligible children are missing out on free school meals because of the stigma associated with claiming them, Welsh Assembly members said today.

By Vivienne Russell

2 February 2011

Almost a third of eligible children are missing out on free school meals because of the stigma associated with claiming them, Welsh Assembly members said today.

A report on child poverty from the children and young people committee found that the average take-up of free school meals by eligible secondary school pupils in Wales is just 68%. Some children would rather miss a meal than risk humiliation from their peers, the AMs said.

Committee chair Helen Mary Jones said: ‘Evidence received for this inquiry demonstrates that, though the Welsh Government is working positively to eradicate child poverty, progress is patchy and there are still areas of real concern.

‘We must look at how the free school meal system is operated. We have heard of the benefits of a “cashless” system – where every pupil uses the same payment method – and we urge the Welsh Government to consider a similar system.’

The report also notes that the aspirations of poor children are the same as those of their wealthier counterparts when children are seven and eight. However, once they reach ten and eleven, their aspirations are significantly lower.

The AMs are calling on the Welsh Government to ensure teacher training programmes are aware of this ‘transitional phase’ to ensure staff have the skills to intervene.

Jones said young people living in poverty believe that financial security and a career is something that ‘other people’ have. She said this perception must be tackled. ‘Teachers must be fully equipped to support these people so that they are given the best possible chances and are served by an agenda that is strategic and co-ordinated.’

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