Free school meals rolled out to secondary pupils for first time, Swinney says
The First Minister said that 'in principle' the Scottish Government supported universal free school meals, saying he would 'prefer that to be the case'.
But he added: 'I have got to live within the resources available to me.'
Swinney said: 'Of course universal provision is desirable, but I have to deliver policy proposals within the resources the government has got available to it.'
His comments came as the Scottish Government confirmed that from August a number of S1 to S3 pupils will be eligible for free school meals – with the First Minister saying that while there is already 'extensive free school meal provision' for primary school children 'this is the first time we have gone into the secondary sector'.
The Scottish Government is investing £3 million in a trial project, which will see lunches provided for more than 6,000 high school students – taking the total of youngsters who can claim a free lunch to more than 360,000.
The latest phase of the project will see lunches being provided for those students eligible for the Scottish Child Payment in almost 60 schools in eight local authority areas – Aberdeen, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles), Fife, Glasgow, Moray, North Ayrshire, Shetland, and South Lanarkshire.
Swinney said the measure was about 'making sure that poverty is not an impediment to the achievement and the performance of young people'.
The trial project will be independently reviewed, with the First Minister saying uptake would be considered, along with the 'beneficial impact of free school meals on the learning opportunities for young people'.
The First Minister spoke about the 'targeted intervention' as he visited Springburn Academy in Glasgow, where he ate lunch with some of the students.
About 140 pupils at the school could benefit from the free lunches when the trial project comes into being from August.
Speaking about the scheme, Swinney said: 'It's a measure designed to tackle the cost-of-living challenges families face, to tackle child poverty and to make sure that children have good health, nutritious food to strengthen their ability to learn in school.'
The First Minister added: 'The free school meals programme is key in our national mission to eradicate child poverty, which saves families who take up the offer around £450 per eligible child per year.
'This next phase of the rollout will ensure that this offer is available to more families across the country.
'We know the positive impact that access to a healthy and nutritious meal can have on a pupil's learning and achievement in school.
'This demonstrates how important the programme is in our efforts to close the poverty-related attainment gap in Scotland, ensuring that every child is given an opportunity to succeed in education regardless of their background.'
He continued: 'The Scottish Government will also continue its broader support to tackle the cost of the school day, including our £14.2 million School Uniform Clothing Grant and our investment in the £1 billion Scottish Attainment Challenge.'
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