Inverclyde to provide free school meals for all primary pupils
Inverclyde Council is to become the first area in Scotland to introduce free school meals for all primary school pupils.
From the beginning of the 2023/24 school year, all children in P1-7 which be able to access a health lunch, without having to pay.
Currently, all pupils up to and including primary fives are entitled to free school meals. From next year, P6 and P7 pupils will also benefit.
It is estimated that the scheme will cost Inverclyde Council around £350k, which includes one-off investment in school kitchens and dining areas to cater for the increased uptake at lunchtimes and to cover loss of income that would usually come from school meals charges.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s education convener, said: “I’m proud that we’re leading the way by introducing fully funded free school meals for all primary pupils.
“This will provide a massive boost to many of our families who are struggling with the cost of living crisis and is part of our commitment to do all we can to tackle child poverty.
“Every child from P1 through to P7 can now access a healthy, nutritious lunch in the comfort of one of our new or refurbished schools without cost to their families.
“We have one of the best education estates in Scotland, if not the UK, and now we’re ensuring the young people who attend them are fuelled in the canteen to help reach their full potential in the classroom.”
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