GRUB'S UP
How free school meals and vouchers will work when coronavirus school shut down starts
PARENTS have been told they may still be able to get free meals or food vouchers for their children during the coronavirus school shutdown - here's how it works.
The move was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday evening in his latest update to the nation about coronavirus.
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He said: "We are making provisions to supply meals and vouchers for children eligible for free school meals.
"And where some schools are already doing this, I want to make it clear we will reimburse the cost."
In an update today, the Department for Education (DfE) has revealed more details about how the measure will work.
Around 1.5million kids across the country currently get free school meals.
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How do I get free meals when my children's school closes?
If your child already gets free meals, the government says they shouldn't go without when schools close from this Monday, March 22.
The DfE says families who usually qualify will get either supermarket or local shop vouchers, food or meals sent to their home.
It'll be up to schools to decide which form of support it offers.
From today, schools will be able to order vouchers directly from supermarkets or shops which can be emailed to families and printed off, or sent via post.
They also have the option to send out food to children using their regular in-house catering team, a local meal delivery service or private catering provider.
Children who can still go to school
THE government says schools will stay open for children of “key workers” and vulnerable kids only.
However, the government hasn't released a full list of the jobs that will count as "key workers".
It's understood that NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers are examples of the sorts of jobs that will be covered.
In terms of vulnerable children, these are thought to be those who have a social worker, or an education, health and care plan in place.
Schools will have their costs covered by the DfE.
The DfE hasn't said what kind of budget it has to cover the free food, but said the total voucher value per child each week will exceed what it pays to schools for free school meals.
The DfE said: "We will provide further guidance shortly on how we will compensate schools who incur additional costs in providing free school meals or vouchers to pupils affected by coronavirus."
Parents are recommended to contact their kid's school to see what help is being offered to them.
Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary, said: "No child who would ordinarily receive a free school meal should go without this while their school is closed or while they are having to self-isolate at home.
"By giving headteachers flexibility on how they can get meals or shop vouchers to these children, they can make the most appropriate decisions for families in their communities, and provide immediate reassurance that this important support will continue."
Who qualifies for free school meals?
Children usually qualify for free school meals if their parents get certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or working tax credit.
You can check if you're eligible by using the
Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 automatically get free school meals if they attend a government funded school.
Under normal circumstances, schools are not expected to provide free school meals to children when they're off sick.
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