Published: Thursday, 2nd October, 2008 15:00
EAST AYRSHIRE LEADS THE WAY ON FREE SCHOOL MEALS
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SNP MSP Willie Coffey today welcomed the Scottish Government’s support for introducing free school meals for all primary one to primary three pupils in Scotland after a successful trial of the policy in East Ayrshire schools.
Speaking after Cabinet Secretary for Education Fiona Hyslop confirmed in a parliamentary answer that the Scottish Government will bring forward the necessary legislation Kilmarnock and Loudoun MSP Willie Coffey said;
“This is excellent news from the Scottish Government. I am pleased to see that East Ayrshire has been leading the way for the rest of the country.
“In East Ayrshire many children will benefit from the provision of free healthy and nutritious school meals. During the pilot, uptake of meals among Primary 1 to 3 pupils not registered for free school meals more than doubled (from 30% to 61%).
“This will help the many families who are just over the income level for free school meals but who find the cost of school lunches every day difficult to meet.
“Whether we are addressing health or poverty issues free school meals ensure all our young children receive at least one good, healthy meal a day."
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Further Details
MP Welcomes pre-Budget report