Free school meals: equality impact assessment

Brief summary of aims and desired outcomes of Policy

The policy aim is to ensure support for children attending public schools by widening access to free school meals to those in primaries 6 and 7 on the basis of Scottish Child Payment (SCP).

This will support children in primary 6 and 7 whose families are in receipt of SCP by providing free lunches, the cost of which would otherwise be approx. £400 per year. In addition, free school meals are required to be provided in accordance with the nutritional standards for food provided in schools, therefore the food is healthy and nutritious and supports individual pupils health and wellbeing.

This also supports the following national outcomes:

• "We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential."
• "We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society."
• "We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination."
• "We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally."

Directorate: Division: Team

Directorate for Learning: Improvement, Attainment and Wellbeing Division: Support and Wellbeing Unit