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At the time of writing, the party had not yet confirmed how the plans would be paid for.

However, it made the same pledge during the 2017 campaign trail – and said at the time that it would be funded by the introduction of VAT on private school fees.

The coalition government, in power from 2010-2015, introduced free school meals for all infants (UIFSM), and some older children from disadvantaged backgrounds are also currently entitled to them.

Labour said it will also expand free childcare to 30 hours a week for 'all two- to four-year-olds', which it claims will save families 'thousands of pounds a year'. 

Angela Rayner, Labour’s shadow education secretary, said: “Investment in the early years can transform the lives of children and their families across this country, just as the last Labour government transformed mine."