Free school meals - Freedom of information requests

Title or Description: Free school meals
FOI Number: 645
Date Received: 29/06/2022
Type of Request: FOI
Request or Question: 1. What is the current age children are entitled to receive free school meals?2. Does the Local Authority participate in the food for life award, and if so at what level?3. Does the Local Authority ringfence funding for school meals and if so, what is the amount per meal/pupil?4. Does the Local authority have a flexible approach to pupils in need of free school meals?
Response: 1. Universal free schools meals are available for all eligible 2 year olds in nursery, Nursery pupils aged 3 to 5 years and all Primary schools pupils P1-P5.

2. Yes, Primary School only and we hold the Bronze award

3. Scottish Borders Council does not ringfence funding for school meals

4. Yes - This is based on local decision making at individual school level.