Free school meals for all P1-P4 pupils

From August 2021, the universal provision of free school meals for all children in P1-P3 will be extended to include P4 children. 

In June, the Scottish Government announced a commitment of £28 million nationally towards the delivery of free school meals during term time for P4 children by this summer, and to P5 children by January 2022.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “I am delighted that more children in our schools will have now have universal access to a healthy meal when they are at school at no cost to their parents or carers. It is important that our pupils have access to nutritious food for their overall health and will be very beneficial in the classroom as a good meal will support the learning and development of each child.”

Parents and carers can view the school menu on our website.

School clothing grants of £140 per academic year are available for primary school children and £150 for secondary pupils. Parents and carers on a low income who have not already done so are encouraged to apply for this payment as soon as possible for children and young people in P1-S6 inclusive.

Even if your child is in P1-4 and therefore entitled to a free school meal, if you are on a low income, you will still be required to apply for a school clothing grant.

Eligibility criteria and the application form for a school clothing grant is available on the Council’s website.

The Welfare Support Team can complete the application form on your behalf and check that all benefits due are being paid. Contact the team at welfare.support@highland.gov.uk or by calling 0800 090 1004.