Mixed reaction to free school meals
Healthy start for pupils in primaries one, two and three
Every primary one, two and three pupil in Rutherglen and Cambuslang was able to tuck into free school meals this week.
The Scottish Government have implemented the policy, saying it could save every family in Scotland over £300 a year.
Revenue funding of £70.5million over two years to deliver the commitment has come from the Government with additional capital funding for all 32 local councils in Scotland of £24.8m.
The move has been supported by several campaigners against child poverty.
South Lanarkshire Council said this week that around 10,000 P1-3 kids across the region were now eligible for the free meals.
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: “The delivery of free school meals for all Primary 1-3 pupils is part of the Scottish Government and council’s commitment to doing more for children to give them a good start when they begin school and to tackle child poverty.
“The council’s catering team has been working closely with schools to plan for this and to ensure each child has the opportunity to have a school meal.
“This included the sharing of information with families to let them know of the offer and availability of a free meal for those in P1-P3.
“We will continue to monitor the uptake and look to see if children enjoy their school dinner which is healthy and nutritious, as well as making lunchtime something they can look forward to with their friends.”
Bob Doris MSP, an SNP member for the Glasgow region, which covers Rutherglen and Cambuslang, welcomed the move.
He said: “We all know that the early years of a child’s life are the most crucial and can shape their habits for a lifetime, so ensuring our children have access to a healthy lunch could see real improvements in Scotland’s public health in the future.
“Ensuring the youngest pupils in our schools have access to healthy and nutritious lunches can also play an important role in improving attainment and helping pupils to achieve their best in class.
“That over 8000 additional children in South Lanarkshire will now have access to a healthy, free school meal is another example of the Scottish Government taking real action to make our country a better place - and I am very proud that it is the SNP who are taking this important measure forward.”
However, Rutherglen’s Labour MSP, James Kelly, questioned the policy at a time when local councils were having to make severe cuts: “There are benefits in the provision of free school meals to those kids who are most in need.
“However, we should not lose sight of the fact that local councils are facing severe cuts in their education budgets.
“What this means in practice is that we have less teachers and classroom assistants, pupils being asked to print homework at home and funding for breakfast clubs under threat.
“Therefore, rather than simply concentrate on free school meals, the SNP need to urgently address the impact their funding shortage is having in local schools.”
Free schools meals for any primary age pupil are currently offered to kids who meet certain criteria.