Purpose

This report to the Executive
Mayor provides an update and requests a decision about the Mayor of
London’s project to provide a free school meal for every
primary school pupil for the academic year 2024-25. The programme
is known by the title Universal Free School Meals (UFSM)
Programme.
 
A decision is required to
accept the grant award from the Greater London Authority (GLA) as
well as the planned funding methodology for schools during the
2024-2025 Academic year.
 

Content

RESOLVED;
 
2.1to agree that
the Universal Free School Meal allowance for pupils in Year’s
3-6 be funded at the rates as set out by the Greater London
Authority, at a cost of £3.00 per pupil covering 190 days
with a take up of 90%.
 
2.2to agree that
whilst this marks a slight change in funding from the previous
year, budget constraints set out the parameters for this
alteration, and no other methodology would be suitable.
 
to note:
 
2.3that Croydon
Council have petitioned the Greater London Authority that future
funding allocations should be sought covering spring census data
for years 2-5, rather than years 3-6 as is currently the case, to
more closely reflect the number of children per year where this
funding is targeted.
 

Reasons for the decision

As per Part A
report.

Alternative options considered

As per Part A
report.