School meals programme continues
by Niall Shanahan
 
Participating schools and education staff had expressed concerns about the impact of school closures due to Covid-19 on pupils who avail of school meals.
Participating schools and education staff had expressed concerns about the impact of school closures due to Covid-19 on pupils who avail of school meals.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, has confirmed that funding to schools will continue for the School Meals Programme during the Covid-19 crisis.

 

The programme is provided to DEIS schools in communities at risk of disadvantage and social exclusion.

 

A circular issued this week provides guidance to schools to ensure pupils have continued access to school meals while their school remains closed. Schools are encouraged to maintain the service during the upcoming Easter holiday period.

 

Participating schools and education staff had expressed concerns about the impact of school closures due to Covid-19 on pupils who avail of school meals.

 

Funding for the programme is being provided by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in line with the parameters of the School Meals scheme.

 

The guidance note advises schools to contact families already in receipt of support under the School Meals Programme to establish if they wish to continue to avail of this support during this period of school closure.

 

Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike said the programme is considered an essential service following last week’s announcement by An Taoiseach that people should not to go to work if they could work from home, or if their attendance at the workplace was not essential.

 

“Tusla’s Education Support Service have asked all home school community liaison coordinators (HSCL) and School Completion Programmes (SCP) staff to liaise with school principals across all schools where they currently work to ensure that children in need of the School Meals Programme are identified and supported. School secretaries are also assisting with this effort,” he said.

LikeLike (0) | Facebook Twitter