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Free school meals available for primary school pupils
North Ayrshire Council is encouraging families to take up the offer of free school meals, if they are eligible to do so.
Currently, the Scottish Government’s universal free school meal provision covers all primary 1 to primary 5 pupils. Families receiving the Scottish Child Payment are also eligible for free school meals for children in primary 6 and primary 7. If you are unsure if you qualify, please get in touch with our Customer Services team on 01294 310000.
Quote: After a long summer for families who may be struggling during the ongoing Cost-of-Living crisis, we appreciate just how difficult it can be for parents and carers who have the weekly challenge of making ends meet. With the new school term on the horizon, we hope that all eligible families register their child now for primary free school meals so that pupils can get access to healthy and nutritious food for free in their own school.”
Quote from: Councillor Tony Gurney, Council Leader of North Ayrshire Council
Free school meals are part of the Scottish Government’s strategy to reduce child poverty as well as to promote healthy eating.
Councillor Gurney added: “I would like to take this opportunity to share my thanks to the Facilities Management service and catering teams who continue to work hard to support this programme. North Ayrshire Council also provides £136 (per child) for primary school children and £169 (per child) for secondary school children to help towards the costs of school footwear and clothing to children whose parents or carers are on certain benefits.
“If you think you are eligible, you should make an application for income-based free school meals to make sure you are also considered for the school clothing grant and holiday school meal support. We will advise you on your eligibility and we will make sure that you receive the correct award.”
Parents and carers can also register for free school meals for primary 6 and 7 pupils via the online application form.
If you need help with the Cost of Living, support is available.
- visit the Council’s dedicated Cost of Living webpage - this includes information on free school meals, clothing grants, finance support, energy support and more
- residents can also contact the Money Smart team who can provide Welfare Rights assistance and representation to North Ayrshire residents to ensure they receive their legal entitlement to state benefits
- for all other enquiries, contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01294 310 000 or visit the Council website's online contact webpage
The Scottish Child Payment is £28.20 per week for every child, under 16, looked after by a parent/carer. It is paid to those living in Scotland and who is the main person looking after a child.
Find out more info on the Scottish Child Payment website.
Published: 20 August 2026