What happens to school meals when primaries reopen on June 1?
SCHOOLS are set to reopen on June 1, with pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 the first to return.
Some parents, however, have been left to wonder whether meal options will still be provided to kids when schools reopen.
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Will schools provide meals when classes go back on June 1?
According to the Government, schools must provide meal options for every child in school.
Guidance on schools reopening states: “Schools should provide meal options for all children who are in school, and meals should be available free of charge where pupils meet the benefits-related free school meal eligibility criteria and to all infant pupils.”
The Government also reiterated its commitment to provide schools with their expected funding “throughout this period”.
In order to make sure schoolchildren will be provided with food, “educational settings” are to open their kitchens and must make sure food is able to be prepared and served safely, according to the action plan.
Also children who are eligible for free meals but will not be in school will be provided with meals or vouchers.
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Do all kids need to take a packed lunch?
No, this does not have to be the case for all schoolchildren.
For some parents, preparing a packed lunch for their kids is the best option for them.
For parents who choose not to provide packed lunches, schools will be giving the option of meals prepared at school kitchens.
What’s happening with free school meal vouchers?
Schools minister, Nick Gibbing has said more than a million school kids will be supported over the half term break with £15 meal vouchers.
Over the Easter break, the Government introduced the scheme to help feed hungry kids but had said it would not be extended for the half term.
Over 100,000 people signed a petition started by a 16-year-old girl to keep meals over the half term.
More on schools reopening
The vouchers are worth £15 per child and can be spent at supermarkets including Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.
To apply, parents must go to to the websites of their children’s schools.
It will then be decided whether they will get a meal or a voucher.