Comhairle Protects Free School Meals and EMA

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has taken steps to ensure the continuation of free school meals and Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA).

Bernard Chisholm, Director of Education, said: “We wanted to make sure that all the young people who qualify for EMA continue to receive support. We hope this action will provide some additional level of financial support in what is a difficult time for families.     

For each qualifying student, the Comhairle has made an advanced payment of £30 per week up until the 5^th of June 2020.  This will be reviewed on the 8^th of June and another advance payment will be issued to those eligible till the end of term on 26^th of June 2020.

Mr Chisholm, continued: “All families with pupils in nursery and from P1 to S6 whose children qualify for Free School Meals will be paid £154 per child for the period between now and the 30^th of June 2020.  All families with pupils in P1 to P3 who qualify for Assistance with School Clothing will automatically qualify for this Free School Meal payment.”