Independent Schools To Receive Free Meals

Free school meals will be extended to independent schools across Northern Ireland for the first time this year.

The extension of entitlement will ensure pupils at 15 local independent schools can avail of the support, as well as pupils at grant-aided schools.

Education Minister John O’Dowd said: "The provision of free school meals plays a key role in raising educational standards. Not only does it provide the health benefits of a nutritious meal during the school day, supporting children’s growth and development; it also aids learning in the classroom and targets support to those who most need it – low income households.

"That is why, since I took up post as Education Minister, I have allocated additional money for the provision of free school meals. In the final year of Direct Rule, 27,800 children locally were eligible for free school meals. By last year that figure stood at almost 78,000. Furthermore, I recently announced an extension to the criteria that will see an estimated 15,000 additional children receive this assistance from next year.

"Indeed, in 2013/14 I have allocated almost £40m to provide free school meals to pupils from low income households."

There are 15 independent schools across Northern Ireland which, last year, accommodated almost 700 children. The schools, which educate pupils from two years old to 18, do not receive any funding from the Department.

It is anticipated that pupils at these schools will begin receiving free school meals in the coming weeks.

(IT/MH)