Free School Meal support for February half-term

04 Feb 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Children and young people eligible for free school meals will get extra support during the February half-term thanks to additional funding.

Northumberland County Council has committed £275,000 to ensure those 9,186 children and young people who receive free school meals will get an additional £15 for the week commencing 15 February, giving them a total of £30.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children’s Services said: “We are topping up the government Winter Grant funding to give those children and young people eligible for free school meals additional help during the half-term break.

We recognise how difficult it can be for some families in the county at this time and we are committed to doing all we can to support them.”
Since January 160 more children and young people have applied for free school meals.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director with responsibility for Adult and Children’s services said: “It has been a really difficult year for many, and personal circumstances may have changed. This is exactly why this support is there, to support those families who need it right now.

I am really pleased that we as a council can bolster the winter grant funding for the half-term break and I strongly urge anyone who may be eligible to apply.”

If you are not in receipt of Free School Meals but think you may be eligible you can apply online here.

If you're not eligible and feeling financial pressures our Northumberland Communities Together Team can offer support. They can be contacted by Phone: 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week or Email: NCT@northumberland.gov.uk