School sent FSM vouchers

[UndertheCedartree]

I had a message from school to say parents with DC on FSM will be getting supermarket vouchers! I nearly cried! I didn't think we would get any vouchers as the council said they are providing holiday clubs instead. My DD gets very anxious so I've signed her up for 1 out of a possible 4 weeks (Mon to Thurs for 4 hours a day) and that will be enough for her but obviously no FSM on the rest of the 7 weeks.
Money is so tight and that extra bit will make the world of difference. For those who raise awareness of school holiday hunger - thank you.

This is just so lovely to hear. You sound so genuinely grateful too. ❤

Yes! We got ours today and it's a big weight off. Very grateful to those who campaigned for this

So pleased for all the families this will help.

We are getting £12.50 a week which is brilliant. It makes such a difference.

I’m pleased for us both OP

That's really positive. What a great school you have.
Our council did some great food boxes but have decided to replace these with holiday clubs for the summer. Unfortunately I have two autistic children who would find the new environment too much and I'm disabled so physically can't get the other child there. The clubs sound great for those that can go but I do worry for families that can't access these clubs and how they will feed their children, I'll be ok as I've been putting a little aside to cover the extra food bill over the summer and also buying an extra tin or two every week but I'm aware some families won't have been able to do that. I just wish they'd do the same for the whole country and support all children on fsm equally.

That's wonderful!

Our council is offering 4 days of activity and food club. 4 days out of 6 weeks. In the most deprived area of the greater area (I get why) and it would cost me £10 a day to get them there and back and 4 buses for them, 8 for me. They usually give vouchers so I'm surprised they aren't in the summer.

@Staffroomdoughnut I cried when I saw that on Instagram

I got my email to ! I am going to try and post to Marcus rashford he did GOOD raising awareness.

@mrs08 - I am very lucky to have a lovely local foodbank. They have really helped us when we needed it. Thank you for all the good work you do - it is so appreciated!

@Landslidelife - yes, it is a real shame. As you say the problem with the holiday club provision is it is not suitable for all. My eldest is Autistic so I understand where you are coming from. He is not in school either so benefits from nothing. The clubs are also not suitable for working parents as they are only 4 hours long. They will be great enrichment and provide lots of exercise for those who can attend. But even if your child used the full provision it is still only 16 FSM out of a 7 week Summer holiday. I'm really sorry you are unable to access the clubs and doesn't look like you will be getting vouchers. It is very unfair. I wish you a happy Summer

@FlatteredFool - oh I'm so sorry. The clubs really aren't the answer as a replacement for the vouchers.

@oldstudentmum - that's a great idea!

And thank you to everyone for all the lovely messages. So nice to have such a positive thread!

I'm so glad some people are getting the right help. Holiday clubs aren't the answer for most.

So pleased for you OP.

Such a disgrace that these aren’t just provided to everyone who needs them as a matter of course.

Happy someone is stepping up for you though.

Clubs might be nice for some people - depending on what you’ve got going on - but as well as not instead of vouchers.

I work in a secondary school and there are so many staff in the school - multiple roles - finance, data, chaplaincy, volunteers - who do everything we can to ensure every family who is entitled to FSM gets those holiday vouchers. It really matters to all of us that our families are supported.

I work in a well-off area and our FSM numbers have nearly doubled this year. But the money we get from government to provide supportive interventions is taken from data nearly 4 months older than in prior years. That will makes a difference to the total money given to the school for pupil premium next financial year.

[quote YesIDoLoveCrisps]@Staffroomdoughnut I cried when I saw that on Instagram[/quote]
@YesIDoLoveCrisps
I was choked too. The little boy’s personal message / handwriting bringing home the message these are very little kids relieved not to be hungry.

I'm so glad they are doing this over the summer holidays, anyone who begrudges a child being fed is a twat.

The vouchers allow for much better value than food kits. In a civilized nation, no children should go without enough healthy food.

I contacted the council and checked. There's a local group but only for key stage 2 upwards. No vouchers at all.