Decision details

To enable Doncaster children to benefit from free school meals during half term week, ensuring that children and parents and carers who need additional support over the half term holiday receive it, independent of any national decisions. The Coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone and Doncaster faced further restrictions from Saturday 24th October when we went into Very High or Tier 3. We appreciate that families are finding it difficult already and the current situation is making it even harder for people who are struggling to support their children. Free school meal vouchers will be provided for the one week October half-term holiday. The voucher for £15 per child per week is available for children aged four and upwards who attend schools in the borough. Schools will be able to access supermarket vouchers for use by parents/guardians of pupils who are eligible for FSM when not at school. Schools are contacting eligible families to arrange. More than 11,000 children are eligible to benefit for the vouchers, which will cost circa. £166,000 if all eligible families accept them.

To provide free school meal vouchers during the October half term one week holiday for Doncaster pupils

Not to provide free school meals during the half term week, this option was rejected due to the negative impact on children, parents and carers.