To ask why do people not working claiming FSM get this for free?

If you’re on UC you get 85% of your childcare paid OP? I no there’s still 15% to cover and that’s hard, but it’s not quite ‘left to manage’. If you rented and didn’t have a mortgage you’d get rent paid towards too, you are lucky though and have a mortgage.

I absolutely know what you are saying because I've been on both sides as a lone parent. It's a shock going to work and it's £50+ a month for school meals. I could only work by running a car, which in itself was a money pit. 70% of childcare was paid, but the 30% that wasn't hit hard.

Those on a low wage really do suffer. There are some UC top ups etc and you are always better off working - but only on paper. It's the cost to work that is the craw, knowing you're on a similar amount. Of course has multiple benefits but I can see where the low to middle earners are being completely squeezed.

For the record mine never got free school clubs and well my daughters school was so... So... Full of sahm with husband on a good wage they didn't have any before or after school clubs, they weren't needed.
Daughter would stay after school doing hockey, basketball etc but that all had to be paid for, and no reduced fees for external providers.

Anyway, my son is a father now (is quickly learning all this), daughter is sitting her GCSEs and I'm disabled whoop, so don't need to worry about any of that 🤣

For the record, they were both fed perfectly well. I don't think income is a barrier to providing healthy food.

Blimey rambling ranty....

You mean, like, segregate the poor children from the rest of the children?

You are more privileged than a child whose parents cannot afford to feed him. Your faux naivety on this subject is starting to wear thin.

You don't get housing help because you have a mortgage. If you'd prefer to rent and get some of your rent paid for go right ahead. But instead you have a stable mortgaged home that one day you will own outright.

Do you get UC childcare help? Those on low incomes on UC get up to 80% of childcare paid. But it does depend on individual circumstances eg single or partner, hours worked, household income etc.

If you think families of kids eligible for free school meals have nicer lives, more new toys, cushy set ups why don't you join them?! Give it a whirl. 🤷

I just cannot comprehend being jealous of this. These children are statistically the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. This help is for them, to try and improve their future outcomes.

I'm jealous that I don't get free childcare too, but I can't begrudge it from the fsm kids as it's more so that they get extra time with safe adults in a warm environment

Sounds like OP is struggling to feed her child. We can give her some sympathy.

There are lots of things available for those on benefits like discounted zoos and memberships and leisure centre for free (in London at least)

I'm not sure whether this applies across the UK, however in my local authority, these are the earnings limits to qualify for FSM:

	Universal Credit with a household income of less than £7,400 per year after tax and not including any benefit you receive
	Child Tax Credit, provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190

That really doesn't sound like a life to be jealous of.

The idea of an after school club isn't to feed children, it's for working parents

Can't the children be fed still but not take up all the after school places?

Honestly OP, begin jealous because poor children are getting fed is not a good look.

Cut your hours then. You must know some unusual people if they are all on FSM & living a life of luxury! Why don't you cut your hours and see how fun it is being in poverty.

Would you rather poorer children didn't have access to any school/activity clubs? Should they only be accessible for people who are more privileged/affluent?

You're so right. They should just be left to starve

Just because kids get fsm doesn’t mean they don’t come from a loving and stable home, wow mumsnet at its finest

Our after school club is 2 thirds full with children entitled to fsm.... it's very popular!

Breakfast club is similiar

It is.

I guess it takes a particular mindset to begrudge vulnerable children a hot meal.

This isn't true, it's a horrible right wing dog whistle and it doesn't help anyone. People on the lowest incomes aren't living the high life.

I understand why you are jealous though and think you have every right to be aggrieved. There are lots of families just outside the criteria for support who end up worse off than those who just about qualify. The problem isn't the people receiving the support, the problem is that the budget for these provisions has been slashed to the bone, so the thresholds are in the wrong places.

If you find yourself punching down, you're usually angry at the wrong people.

It’s because they’re trying to break the cycle and improve the life chances of those dc. But it’s hard to swallow when you’re unable to afford the same so I do get it. I used to remind myself to be grateful I could provide my dc a loving and stable home.

Not every fsm family is dysfunctional but there is a correlation.

Yes quite. My DC were entitled too FSM did to my income for most of their school lives. Other than not a lot of spare money they have a very stable, happy and loving home life.

I always presumed it was so they got fed.

I do understand why those who can't afford it would feel jealous though, I think it's quite natural.

Unfortunately I think tv/social media has cultivated this image of low income families having a great time but reality is most children of low income families will be having a tough time.

As others have said. It’s to give disadvantaged children opportunities. Not all children on FSM are disadvantaged of course, but the LA sees them all as the same.

All people seem to focus on are the parents and their burning resentment towards parents who either don’t work or don’t work enough. And they fail to see the real reason these places for children exist.

It's not uk wide though I will get some things free buying can't access it unless I can drive a long way or my child likes football or tennis