Menu
17/09/2013
Call To Extend Free School Meals
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Chris Hazzard has called for free school meals to be extended for all children attending school.
Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Hazzard said: "In recent years Sinn Féin has worked to increase the number of children entitled to free school meals and indeed the Minister John O'Dowd recently announced that the criteria for attaining free school meals would be standardised across primary and post primary schools.
"This would mean that children entitled to free school meals in primary would carry that entitlement into post primary school.
"Many children were going to school without a proper lunch due to families being unable to either supply a packed lunch or pay for school meals. It is important that children are able to have a healthy meal during their time at school.
"While welcoming the Minister's commitment to date on the issue I am asking him to investigate extending the free school meal system to all children attending school. This would bring equality to the system and ensure that every child would get at least one substantial meal during term time."
On Monday, Education Minister, John O'Dowd, called on all families entitled to free school meals to take up their entitlement.
The Minister was speaking during a debate on free school meal uptake in the Assembly. During the debate, he revealed that almost one in five children who are eligible for free school meals do not avail of them.
He added: "The significance of free school meals must be seen in the context of my Department's overarching goals – 'to raise standards' and 'close the performance gap, increase access and equality'.
"Free school meals support the Programme for Government commitment to tackle disadvantage and close the gap in educational attainment between the least and most deprived communities.
"The particular challenges faced by pupils from lower income backgrounds in accessing, participating in and benefiting from, formal education are well documented and we should not underestimate the impact this can have on children's learning and development, on their educational attainment and ultimately on their lifetime opportunities."
(JP/CD)
Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Hazzard said: "In recent years Sinn Féin has worked to increase the number of children entitled to free school meals and indeed the Minister John O'Dowd recently announced that the criteria for attaining free school meals would be standardised across primary and post primary schools.
"This would mean that children entitled to free school meals in primary would carry that entitlement into post primary school.
"Many children were going to school without a proper lunch due to families being unable to either supply a packed lunch or pay for school meals. It is important that children are able to have a healthy meal during their time at school.
"While welcoming the Minister's commitment to date on the issue I am asking him to investigate extending the free school meal system to all children attending school. This would bring equality to the system and ensure that every child would get at least one substantial meal during term time."
On Monday, Education Minister, John O'Dowd, called on all families entitled to free school meals to take up their entitlement.
The Minister was speaking during a debate on free school meal uptake in the Assembly. During the debate, he revealed that almost one in five children who are eligible for free school meals do not avail of them.
He added: "The significance of free school meals must be seen in the context of my Department's overarching goals – 'to raise standards' and 'close the performance gap, increase access and equality'.
"Free school meals support the Programme for Government commitment to tackle disadvantage and close the gap in educational attainment between the least and most deprived communities.
"The particular challenges faced by pupils from lower income backgrounds in accessing, participating in and benefiting from, formal education are well documented and we should not underestimate the impact this can have on children's learning and development, on their educational attainment and ultimately on their lifetime opportunities."
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
18 June 2013
Number Of Free School Meals Increases
2012/13 saw an increase in the number of children taking up free meals in Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Education. The Department has published statistics on the uptake of school meals in schools, commonly known as the School Meals census. The findings show that across all sectors (excluding special schools), 79,810 pupils (25.
Number Of Free School Meals Increases
2012/13 saw an increase in the number of children taking up free meals in Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Education. The Department has published statistics on the uptake of school meals in schools, commonly known as the School Meals census. The findings show that across all sectors (excluding special schools), 79,810 pupils (25.
02 August 2013
Parents Encouraged To Use School Uniform Grants
Education Minister John O'Dowd has encouraged parents to take advantage of school uniform grants. The Clothing Allowance Scheme covers pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools and is similar to free school meals with regards to its eligibility criteria.
Parents Encouraged To Use School Uniform Grants
Education Minister John O'Dowd has encouraged parents to take advantage of school uniform grants. The Clothing Allowance Scheme covers pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools and is similar to free school meals with regards to its eligibility criteria.
29 July 2015
Call For All Children Between Four And Seven To Receive Free School Meals
NI doctors are calling for all children between the ages of four and seven to receive free school meals. The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for the scheme to be extended to all children. Dr Paul Darragh, a member of the BMA’s Board of Science, said: "It is critical that healthy eating patterns are established when people are young.
Call For All Children Between Four And Seven To Receive Free School Meals
NI doctors are calling for all children between the ages of four and seven to receive free school meals. The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for the scheme to be extended to all children. Dr Paul Darragh, a member of the BMA’s Board of Science, said: "It is critical that healthy eating patterns are established when people are young.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
