Guidance for Parents/Carers whose child is in receipt of a free school meal
Guidance for Parents/Carers whose child is in receipt of a free school meal
Children still attending schools
If your child is still attending school as they are the child of a key worker or are they meet the criteria set out by the Government then they will still be provided with a free school meal from the school that they are attending on the days that they attend. All school kitchens remain open.
Support for Pupils who have to stay off
The Government is still developing a national voucher scheme that will be rolled out. At the current time the date for this hasn’t been confirmed. But further details of how this will work will be announced shortly. It is likely to be a food voucher for £10 a week but again we are awaiting details of this. Any applications for food vouchers will need to be done via your schools directly who will issue you with a voucher. This will be in the form of a physical voucher or an e-voucher but again we are still awaiting guidance on this scheme. Your school will inform you when this is available?
What should I do in the interim period?
The school meals service has made provision to cater for all Children who are entitled to a free school meal from Monday 23 March 2020 until the national scheme is launched. Packed lunches will be available for distribution from the following children’s centres:
New Hutte Children and Families Hub
Lichfield Rd,
Halewood,
Liverpool
L26 1TT
The Star Children’s Centre
St Andrew’s View Tower Hill
Kirkby
L33 1ZF
The Eden Children’s Centre
Westvale Primary School
Melverley Road Westvale
Kirkby
L32 0RQ
The Pride Children’s Centre
2 Simonswood Lane
Kirkby
L33 5YP
Jubilee Children’s Centre
Twig Ln,
Huyton,
Liverpool
L36 2L
Hilltop Children’s Centre
Bedford Close
Huyton
L36 1XH
Southmead Children’s Centre
Sherwood Drive
Whiston
L35 3XZ
What shall I do if my family and I are self–isolating?
When the voucher scheme is set up it is expected that electronic vouchers will be issued and you will can receive these through your mobile phone or computer but we are still waiting on further details on that from the Government.
Whilst we are waiting for that think about whether there anyone else who can collect the meal(s) on your behalf.
The Council has launched a new Coronavirus Community Support and Volunteer Line. The helpline number is 0800 073 0043 and is for residents to use to ask for help and advice. We are working to build a team of volunteers who you may be able to use to deliver lunches whilst you are self-isolating.
What if my Child is in a School outside Knowsley?
If you attend a school that is Out of Borough you need to contact your school as they might have made alternative arrangements.
Here are some useful links to other organisations providing support
https://knowsley.foodbank.org.uk/ - Knowsley food bank
https://www.facebook.com/kirkbystorehouse - Kirkby food bank