Laura Sharman 31 March 2020

Pupils eligible for free school meals will receive food vouchers

The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a weekly food shopping voucher of £15 while schools are closed due to coronavirus.

Under the scheme, schools will be allowed to carry on providing meals for delivery or collection. If not, they will issue parents with the voucher electronically or as a giftcard.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: ‘No child should go hungry as a result of the measures introduced to keep people at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

’That’s why we are launching this scheme to make sure children who usually benefit from free school meals still have access to healthy and nutritious meals while they are not attending school.’

The Local Government Association (LGA) welcomed the announcement but urged the Government to extend the scheme to cover the school holidays.

Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: ‘There are already an estimated 1.3 million young people entitled to free school meals, and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has meant that there are now a large number of families signing up to benefits.

We want to work with the Government to ensure that struggling families are able to access the scheme as soon as possible. The Government should also consider extending the voucher scheme to cover families over the school holidays.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner