Chinese Lib Dems work with Schools Minister Sarah Teather MP

LIBERAL Democrat MP Sarah Teather is urging the Chinese community to take up the government's offer of free school meals (FSMs) for children from low-income families.

The Chinese community has one of the lowest FSM claim rates in the country, with some speculating that this could be down to anything from a lack of awareness to a dislike of the food.

But Teather is hoping to change this and was keen to stress the importance that those who are eligible for FSMs claim them.

"This is not just about the school meals," said Teather. "The school will receive £600 for every pupil claiming the meal, so it is important that those who are eligible are claiming."

The pupil premium for low-income students was raised to £600 this year, money that can spent on top of the main funding schools receive to ensure that pupils from low-income backgrounds receive the same opportunities as those from less deprived families.

The Minister of State at the Department for Education was speaking at an event at Portcullis House organised by the Chinese Liberal Democrats and the British-Chinese Project, an organization promoting the integration of British-Chinese into UK politics.

The event also marked the launch of Merlene Emerson's campaign for a seat on the London Assembly.

"As the only Chinese/SE Asian candidate for the London Assembly, I feel a burden to represent the many diaspora communities living in London. I am therefore keen to hear from them so that their concerns and needs can be addressed." said Emerson.

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