Free school meals welcomed

THE introduction of free school meals for all P1 to P3 pupils across Scotland has been welcomed by Shetland Islands Council.

The chairwoman of the SIC’s education and families committee, Vaila Wishart, said the new policy would help achieving at school, encourage healthy eating and reduce cost for parents.

The council is to receive £386,000 from the Scottish Government to cover the cost of the SNP’s flagship policy until the end of March 2016.

Around 800 pupils in Shetland are entitled a free school meal as of this week.

The introduction of free school meals for all P1-3 pupils aims to ensure that all younger children can benefit from a nutritious meal during the school day.

The initiative also has the support of campaigners against child poverty across Scotland, including the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland and Unison Scotland.

Across Scotland, the Scottish Government is providing revenue funding of £70.5 million over two years and additional capital funding of £24.8 million.

Wishart said: “By offering a balanced and nutritious meal to all P1-P3 pupils, I hope we can support their levels of achievement at school, as well as encourage healthy eating and reduce costs to parents.”