Free school meals to be rolled out to around 3,000 primary pupils across Glasgow

Free school meals are set to be rolled out to P6 and P7 pupils from low income families in Glasgow from February.

Just under 3,000 children are expected to be eligible through their families being entitled to the Scottish Child Payment.

The change is being made following a Scottish Government commitment. However, the government has said funding is not available to deliver free school meals for all P6 and P7 students.

It has provided Glasgow City Council with just over £5.3m to make improvements to schools to prepare for more students becoming eligible for free meals.

In a report to councillors, officials said the money was to help prepare schools for the roll-out of free meals to P6 and P7 children from families receiving the Scottish Child Payment and “the longer-term aim of free school meals for all primary children”.

Funding is being focused on schools which “have a high number of lunch sittings, or have other capacity issues within serveries and kitchens”. “These issues can result in lengthened lunches for schools,” officials said.

Work will include creating extra dining space, redesigning kitchens and finding “innovative seating solutions”. A working group is developing a programme of projects.

Currently, free school meals are offered to all pupils in P1 to P5 in Glasgow schools as well as all primary school children with standalone additional support needs provision.

The Scottish Government initially planned to provide free school meals for all P6 and P7 pupils by 2026.

Earlier this month, the SNP administration at Holyrood lost a non-binding vote, as opposition parties called on ministers to expand free meals to all primary pupils.

The Scottish Child Payment is £26.70 per week for every child, under 16, looked after by a parent/carer. It is paid to those who live in Scotland, receive certain benefits and are the main person looking after a child.

Council officials said free school meals for eligible P6 and P7 students would be paid from February 2025 in line with Scottish Government guidance.

They added: “It is hoped that this will contribute to reducing the high levels of outstanding balances in relation to school meal debt within the primary sector.”