North Ayrshire Council is encouraging families to take up the offer of free school meals for primary 6 and 7 pupils, if they are eligible to do so.
From Monday 24 February, families who are not currently eligible for free school meals but are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment will be eligible to access free school meals for primary 6 and 7 pupils.
Currently, the Scottish Government’s universal free school meal provision covers all primary 1 to primary 5 pupils.
That provision is now expanding to include this wider group of children, meaning that even more children across North Ayrshire will be entitled to a free school meal during term time.
The online application form opens on Monday 3 February and those who successfully register will then be in receipt of the free school meals from Monday 24 February 2025.
The council is urging people to apply online from Monday (3 Feb).
The welcome news will also be promoted on social media and via the council’s Money Matters team, staff who work across primary schools, community food larders, community centres, libraries and other local venues to ensure everyone is aware of the expanded provision.
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said:
“The Scottish Child Payment is already helping families who may be struggling during the ongoing Cost-of-Living crisis as parents and carers have the weekly challenge of making ends meet.
“With the next phase of the free school meals roll-out now on the horizon, we hope that all eligible families apply via the online application form to ensure that more primary school pupils can get access to healthy and nutritious food for free in their own school.”
The plans are part of the Scottish Government’s strategy to reduce child poverty as well as to promote healthy eating.
In North Ayrshire, work has already been happening behind the scenes including creating extra storage and food preparation areas in kitchens and redesigning seating and server layouts to ensure a streamlined lunchtime service.
Parents and carers can register for free school meals for primary 6 and 7 pupils via the online application form (live from Monday 3 February 2025).
If you need help with the cost of living, support is available.
visit our dedicated Cost-of-Living webpage, this includes information on free school meals, clothing grants, finance support, energy support and more
residents can also contact the Money Matters team, Money Matters provides Welfare Rights assistance and representation to North Ayrshire residents to ensure they receive their legal entitlement to state benefits
for all other enquiries, contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01294 310 000 or visit the dedicated webpage
The Scottish Child Payment is £26.70 per week for every child, under 16, looked after by a parent/carer. It is paid to those living in Scotland and who is the main person looking after a child.
