Scottish schools prepare for free meals plan


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From January 5, all primary 1-3 pupils will be entitled to free school meals, affecting around 135,000 children across the country.
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Hide AdThe Government is providing £70.5 million over two years to help councils deliver the policy, with a further £24.8 million from local government.
Learning Minister Alasdair Allan said: “School lunches are hugely important in supporting a pupil’s ability to learn and January 5, 2015 marks the beginning of a new era in Scottish education.
“This Government is proud to be implementing free school meals for all P1-3 pupils. Delivering a saving of at least £330 a year for eligible families is just one aspect of this Government’s work to tackle the scourge of child poverty in Scotland.”
He added: “I have been impressed with the work that local authorities are doing to prepare. I encourage everyone with an interest to make sure they are up to date with the new arrangements.
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Hide Ad“The Scottish Government has worked very closely with Cosla (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) and local authorities throughout this process and I look forward to January 5, when we will see this very positive measure coming into effect.”
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