The provision of free school meals has been a key objective of the council during the period of school closures in 2020. The support has continued during school holiday periods in recognition of the ongoing impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on low income families.
To maximise the amount of support offered to children and young people in low income families, and to avoid problems of access for children and young people, an alternative model of provision has now been put in place.
The Council has approved the following direct payments, to the families of P4 - S6 children and young people eligible for free school meals, and P1 - P3 pupils in receipt of a school clothing grant:
- A payment of £15 per week per eligible child (a total of £30 per eligible child) during the Christmas Holiday 2020-21;
- A payment of £10 per eligible child during the February Half Term Holiday 2021; and
- A payment of £15 per week per eligible child (a total of £30 per eligible child) during the Easter Holiday 2021
It is also proposed to have a similar arrangement place over the Easter school holidays:
