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

@Willyoujustbequiet
If I didn't need it I wouldn't use it, I need it so I can get to work on time so I can pay my bills and have literally no money left after

^ This
MN has to be so extreme.

I've never benefitted from either, but it's in place because children on FSM are assumed to be vulnerable/in poverty. So, it's for their benefit that they are guaranteed meals and opportunities. It's harsh to begrudge children, even if you are struggling to make ends meet yourself.

I know what you mean OP.

I understand the theory behind it. It's supposed to help those who are vulnerable, those who qualify on paper. To be honest I don't think its enough for most genuine people.

But those who are just outside eligibility struggle too but there is no support for them. Just because they are slightly outside of eligibility for FSM.

Maybe the eligibility criteria needs some amendments made to it.

I also think working parents should be offered extra support too. Full time working families struggle too.

Agree. But can I just point out that not every child entitled to FSM comes from an "unstable home".

There are quite a lot of reasons behind it.

breakfast club, usually it’s to ensure the child is in school as often their attendance is lower than those not on pupil premium. It also gets a second meal in them that day.

after school club it ensures the child has access to extra curriculars like their peers as being low income it won’t be a priority/possibility for the family.

some children who are on pupil premium are also vulnerable due to their home life so it keeps them in a safe environment for more hours.

Every child doesn't need it.

Why should people on low incomes subsidise the wealthy?

I wish every man, woman and child in the world was given everything for free. Wouldn't it be lovely.

Most have these families have more luxuries than I do, cars, best clothes. It's hard not to be jealous.

Why on earth would anyone be jealous of vulnerable people who have next to no income?

It beggars belief.

There isn't much to understand other than FSM is a benefit for the lowest income children and along with that comes the free clubs. I think that's great.
If you don't need to be on FSM then the assumption is you have a bit more income to send them to the clubs, and also it helps if you need to do this while working a bit later. Kids without working parents may lose out fully on these clubs otherwise, so it's to try and make sure everyone can enjoy it. You never know when you or a family member might need to take this option.

it’s about keeping deprived children engaged with education, making sure they are fed and reducing the effects of possible neglect.

it’s also why some families get their free nursery hours at 2 rather than 3. Children from unstable homes are better off in nursery than in their home environment, and outcomes are better.

it’s about what’s best for the children, not the parents.

I understand what you are saying. And I think there should be more subsidised childcare. But do you manage to feed your DC?

I sometimes think like this and then I catch myself- because if I really thought that kind of benefit was worth it, I could contrive to jack in work and claim them. But actually working has huge upsides, even if the stress and juggling is hard going. So I try not to focus on what I'm not entitled to, but what I can do to make life easier. Don't always succeed, mind!

I'd rather every child was given it for free.

This is not true not the breakfast and after school club anyway as my kids get free school meals and they aren’t entitled to free breakfast and after school clubs at their school! The holiday thing is true but mine couldn’t go as have Sen and they aren’t suitable for them.

@SummerDays2020
But I'm struggling with bills, etc, just about getting by, in fact some months I feel like I'm working just to get by, no spare money and this is just another bill

The short answer: If you are so skint that you cannot afford to feed your child lunch, then you're probably not going to be able to afford breakfast for them or to feed them or in the school holidays either.

The long answer: Generally lower income families have poor social mobility and poor engagement with education. So the government do this to try and equal the playing field for the most vulnerable of children. The school also get extra funding for children who receive free school meals. So before you start benefit bashing, take a moment to remember that your child is actually indirectly benefiting from these kids receiving FSM as well.

Would you rather those children were at home then? not being fed, or being fed very poor nutrition and not doing any activities?

Is that what you'd rather?

There are children worse off than yours.

If you think state-subsidised childcare should be extended for working parents then I totally agree with you though.

But would you prefer your DC getting that for free if it also meant their life chances would be reduced?

Presumably the before and afterschool clubs also provide breakfast and some sandwiches/snacks after school, so can provide meals the children may not have otherwise had access to. Other curricular activities would also provide them with opportunities they may not have access to.