North pupils asked to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and who receive free school meals, will be given vouchers instead
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Highland school pupils are to be given vouchers in place of free school meals if they are asked to self-isolate during term time.
Highland Council will automatically pay £15 per pupil per week.
Vouchers are paid to P1-3 pupils in receipt of school clothing grants and P4-S6 pupils in receipt of free school meals.
The council has also highlighted that its welfare support team can support low income families who may be eligible to apply but have not already claimed free school meals and school clothing grants.
They can be contacted on 0800 090 1004 or by email at welfare.support@highland.gov.uk
Chairman of Highland Council’s education committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said: "It is crucial that we support those in our community who will undoubtedly find it a struggle if their child is asked to self-isolate at home due to Covid-19.
"I hope that the support these vouchers provide will offer some reassurance to families that they are not alone during this very challenging time.
"The right support in the right places has never been as important as we continue to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We know that school meals are often the most nutritious meal some children eat during the day and self-isolation would only exacerbate those hardships.
“I very much welcome this news, as I am sure do the families who will benefit from it."
