Dear Parent/Carer,
Providing a balanced, nutritious meal for children and young people is important for the council.
The school meal service has previously been subsidised by the council and due to the extreme financial pressures over the last few years, it could no longer sustain this level of cost. As you will be aware, the council took the decision to incorporate “full cost recovery for school meals” as part of the budget setting process on 24th Feb 2020. It was also approved to increase the school meal price by 10p in 2021 and 2022.
Therefore, from the 1st April 2021 the cost of a two-course primary school meal will be £3.10, and the cost of a secondary school two-course meal will be £3.15.
The new school meal price still represents value for money. In primary school, the choice is soup and main course plus water or milk or a main course and sweet treat plus water or milk.
It’s also important to reiterate to parents/carers that the school meal service has worked hard to provide a safe working environment in line with all Covid-19 protective measures and restrictions.
As you may be aware the Scottish Government announced on 9th March that Free School Meals will be provided to all P1 to 7 pupils by August 2022. We will be preparing to start work on this innovation in the coming weeks.
Your child may be entitled to free school meal and essential clothing grant. You can check your benefits and how your application is processed via the council’s website at
https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5452
All Primary 1 to Primary 3 pupils are automatically entitled to receive a free school meal but must be included in your application form. You can also download the Free School Meals & Clothing Grant application form from the website details above. If your application for Free School Meals is accepted, then the school will be notified immediately.
If you require further information on Free School Meals application please contact
Free School Meals
Dalziel Building Ground Floor 7 Scott Street Motherwell ML1 1SX
Phone: 01698 403203
Yours sincerely
Anne Hanlon
Business Manager Facility Support Services