The survey, published yesterday, by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers found that 39% of education staff know of pupils who come to school hungry and have no money for lunch, but do not receive free school meals.
Linda Cregan, CEO of Children’s Food Trust, said: “We know that when children eat better they do better, and they simply cannot reach their potential if they’re hungry at school. Making sure all children have access to a nutritious, tasty school meal is about giving all pupils a fair chance to learn and achieve.”
The survey showed that those teachers who participated think that having lunch has a positive effect on pupils as 84% said it improves concentration, 91% said it improves pupils’ learning, 88% said it has a positive effect on awareness, and 84% said it improves pupils’ attainment.
Cregan added: “The figures show that our young people are growing up in a nation where eating well – whatever your family’s income – is not a guaranteed right.
“We join those who are calling for automatic registration of children whose families qualify for free school meals, and we think all families receiving universal credit should qualify for free meals at school.
“It’s why work to continue making sure all children – whether they pay or get free meals in the school dining room – have exactly the same experience at lunchtime, and it’s why we’re supporting local schemes which help make sure children can still access a healthy meal during the holidays if they rely on school food during term time.
“We know hunger is an issue for children in working families, too, which is why helping parents make very limited food budgets go as far as possible is at the heart of our work in communities.”