Coronavirus and Free School Meals

Selaine's response:

I recognise there has been significant concern about the status of schools during these testing times. Teachers are on the frontline of our national response to coronavirus and I would like to thank you and your colleagues for all the work they have been doing.

I recognise that for some children the meal they get at school is their main meal of the day, and so I welcome that meals and food vouchers have been made available to ensure children eligible for free school meals continue to receive a free meal. Effective immediately from day one of closures, schools have been able to order vouchers directly from supermarkets or shops in their communities to be emailed or printed and posted to families, and they will have their costs covered by the Department for Education.

I will continue to engage with the Department for Education about how we can make this process easier for schools and for parents, but I would just add that the new system seems to have worked well in North Devon so far. Any school or parent with concerns is very welcome to contact me and I will do what I can to help.

May 2020