Changes to free school lunch provision
LUNCH provision is being extended for Inverclyde schoolchildren during the coronavirus outbreak.
From next week, families with children who are entitled to a free school meal and a clothing grant will automatically receive a grant of £25 every two weeks from the council until further notice.
This replaces the packed lunch hubs and deliveries of fortnightly food bags provided by the local authority so far during the schools shutdown as full deliveries of goods from suppliers can no longer be guaranteed.
Parents and carers of nursery children who are entitled to a free school meal will also receive a £25 grant every two weeks to help pay for provisions.
Pupils in primaries 1-4 who do not receive a clothing grant but would normally enjoy a free lunch through the council’s universal free school meals policy can now access a packed lunch, on request, should they require one.
These will be available from the nearest key worker childcare hub.
Letters have been sent to parents and carers today advising of the changes and extension to free school lunch provision.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s Education & Communities Convener, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to continue providing free school meals to those who need them while the schools are closed due to the coronavirus public health emergency.
“It’s also pleasing that new measures have been put in place to continue fulfilling the council’s universal free school meals policy for all children in P1-4.
“Council staff are working ever so hard to adapt to the pressures brought about by coronavirus to ensure support is there to those who need it while adhering to the government guidance, which is to stay at home.”
Full details about the changes and extension to free school meals provision are available in the ‘Daily Briefing’ section, dated Wednesday 8 April, of the council’s dedicated coronavirus website – www.inverclyde.gov.uk/coronavirus.
This is where more information can also be found about a range of subject, such as key worker childcare hubs, business grants and paying council tax.
Parents or carers who have questions about the free school lunch provision should email admin.educationhq@inverclyde.gov.uk or phone 01475 712850.