Over half a million children became eligible for free school meals during the first year of the pandemic, analysis by Labour has estimated.

Analysis of Government data and FOIs shows over 418,000 children became eligible for free school meals between March and December 2020.

Labour is calling on the Government to extend free school meals over the May half-term and summer holidays, and set-up cash transfers for free school meals.

Kate Green, Labour’s shadow education secretary, said councils have been forced to plug gaps in free school meals support throughout the school holidays.

She said: 'Feeding children is not a half-time activity. Labour is calling on the Conservatives to trust parents with the money for free school meals so they can buy the food and supplies their children need throughout the whole of the holidays.'