Council to continue free school meal payments over the summer holidays

The Council’s summer holiday free school meal payments should be arriving in people’s bank accounts this week.

Emails advising families who are entitled to the lump sum payments – those who received free school meals during 2023/24 - were sent out at the end of last week.

The Council made the decision to continue the payments covering the summer holiday period meaning that 261 children and young people (143 families) will benefit.

Payments are £108.90 for a primary pupil and £112.20 for a secondary school pupil.

The funds will be paid as a lump sum directly into the parent/guardian’s bank account this week (and should be clear by Wednesday 17 July).

Any new applicants may be eligible for any forthcoming holiday payments (dependent on funding) - so folk are encouraged to check whether they are eligible for free school meals and the uniform clothing allowance.

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “Despite the ongoing budget constraints, I am delighted that families who may be struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis will receive this additional payment.

“Please check whether or not you may be entitled to free school meals and the associated benefits this could bring. We have tried to make the application process as easy as possible for families and we have staff on standby to help if necessary.

“We fear that some families don’t want to be seen to be in the ‘free meals’ category. However, it is an ‘entitlement,’ and nobody should be embarrassed or worried about accessing it as it is an entirely confidential process, and the entitlement of universal free school meals includes all P1-P5 pupils. This is going some way to help reduce any perceived stigma attached.”

The clothing grant is £150 for an eligible secondary student and £120 for an eligible primary school pupil.

The allowances can be applied for via the Council website's School Benefit page - https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/School-Meals-and-Clothing-Allowances.htm

For anyone who is unable to access the online application form they can call 01856 873535 and a paper copy form will be posted to them. Anyone having difficulty filling out the forms should contact the Council Offices and ask for Heather Manson on 01856 873535 extension 2416 or Leanne Tait extension 2422.

Applications require to be made every year.