Scottish schools face food struggle

Hundreds of primary schools across Scotland could struggle to cope with demand when the right to free lunchtime meals comes into force next year, new figures have revealed.

All Scottish P1 to P3 pupils will get free school meals from January next year in a move that is hoped will save families an estimated £330 a year for every child.

But new figures have revealed many primary school dining halls are already at or over capacity with many having to put on multiple sittings to meet demand.

Figures obtained under freedom of information laws show that in East Lothian nearly half of schools could not accommodate more pupils for lunch and Dundee City Council is warning it may have to extend the lunch hour.

Alison Johnstone MSP, education spokeswoman for the Scottish Greens, said: “Lunchtime should be fun and enjoyable, not a rushed feeding frenzy. I’m delighted more pupils will benefit from a free meal but we must get this right and avoid the risk of overcrowded canteens.

“The Scottish Government and local authorities have neglected too many schools, while new buildings have been designed without proper food preparation facilities.”

Currently, free meals are available in primary school to families that receive child and working tax credits.

The new initiative will see every one of Scotland’s P1 to P3 children have the option of a free meal in school.

It will cost £13m in year in 2014-15 and £42m in 2015-16.

Figures provided to the Scottish Greens show that for East Lothian Council, 19 of its 41 schools have no space for additional pupils for lunch, while several primary schools in Angus already have three sittings.

Clackmannanshire Council said it was “feeding more than the seating available”, and Renfrewshire Council said it could accommodate approximately 10% more pupils for lunch.

Dundee City Council warned, “We would be, in some school dining rooms, unable to accommodate an increase in pupil numbers.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We recognise that school food services across Scotland are designed to suit local and school needs. We will work in partnership with COSLA over the next year to explore how any practical implications will be addressed.”