Highland pupils, eligible for free school meals, to receive vouchers if they are asked to self-isolate

Highland school pupils asked to self-isolate from school during term time, through Test & Protect, who are eligible to receive means-tested free school meals, will receive vouchers to cover their isolation period.

The 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.

Highland Council’s 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 to welfare.support@highland.gov.uk

Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee, Cllr 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.”