Search questions

• Reference: 2023/2768
• Question by: Andrew Boff
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

What provision is there in your free school meals programme for those with faith-based requirements?

• Reference: 2023/2786
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

The number of pupils in London with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or statement of SEN increased by 7.9% between 2020-20 and 2021-22. Given your previous work on SEN and post-16 SEND review, has there been any research as to why there has been such a large increase?

• Reference: 2023/2787
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Since the beginning of your Mayoralty there has been a drastic reduction in the number of under-19 apprenticeship starts, 19-24 completions and under-19s completions. Why are things getting worse?

• Reference: 2023/2791
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Lewisham Council has said that your Free School Meals scheme will have an additional cost of £600,000 which will have to be funded by the Borough. Will you increase the amount provided to London Boroughs to accommodate this shortfall?

• Reference: 2023/2792
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Bexley Council told Schools Week: “The Council does not have the funds to meet any additional costs associated with this initiative and this will need to be met by our schools.” How have you responded to Councils who find themselves in the same position as a result of your lack of proper planning for Universal Free School meals?

• Reference: 2023/2793
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

A spokesman for Sutton Council has said “As the funding is only for one year, commencing with a short timescale and the take-up is unknown, schools will need to manage with the equipment and sites they have and manage the situation accordingly.” Do you believe that there is an appropriate level of existing equipment and sites within schools to deliver your Free School Meals policy?

• Reference: 2023/2794
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Kingston and Richmond Councils have said with regard to your Universal Free Schools Meals policy “logistics of mobilising the expansion in such a short period of time is causing concern, at a time when schools are already under significant pressure in terms of children’s needs and school finances”. What discussions have you or your officers had with Richmond and Kingston Councils on these issues?

• Reference: 2023/2795
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Neil Miller, deputy CEO of London South East Academies Trust, which runs nine schools in London, has stated that there will be “inevitable” shortfalls in funding for your Universal Free School Meals scheme. Will you increase the amount provided to Councils and Schools as a result of these warnings?

• Reference: 2023/2666
• Question by: Hina Bokhari
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

What measures are you implementing to ensure that your Free School Meals initiative does not hinder schools accurately identifying eligible pupils for the pupil premium?

• Reference: 2023/2667
• Question by: Hina Bokhari
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

What strategies are you putting in place to ensure that the new Free School Meals programme addresses the specific dietary needs and cultural diversity of the students in each borough?