Education Minister has launched a public
consultation on a review of the eligibility criteria for free
school meals and uniform grants.
The consultation will examine the number of children and young
people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform
grants. It also explores a range of options and models the impact
of each option in terms of the number of additional pupils that
could benefit and potential associated costs.
The Minister said: “Free school meals and uniform grants are a
vital support for many low-income families to ensure that
children have access to a healthy school lunch each day and have
financial support with the costs associated with school uniforms.
“The launch of this public consultation is an important
opportunity for anyone to give their views on how we can move
forward with the review of the eligibility criteria for free
school meals and uniform grants.”
The consultation seeks views on how the Department can use the
funding available for free school meals and uniform grants to
maximise the benefits to children, young people and their
families.
The Minister continued: “My Department continues to face an
extremely challenging budget and I want to ensure the funding
available for free school meals and uniform grants is used as
effectively as possible.
“This consultation will help us to better understand the views of
all relevant stakeholders on the eligibility criteria for these
supports. All views and comments will be considered as decisions
are taken on the best way forward.”
The consultation documents are available on the Department's
website at www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/review-free-school-meals-and-uniform-grant-eligibility-criteria
with the consultation closing on Friday 14 February 2025.
