1. Free School Meals The issue of school meals has been high in the political agenda in recent years. This is partly because of celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, highlighting the poor quality of school meals.

2. Who gets free school meals now?

3. They are means-tested – only pupils from low income families receive them.

4. How do you qualify for free school meals? You can claim free school lunches for your children if you are receiving: Income Support (IS) Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) Child Tax Credit (CTC), but not Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £16,190 (with effect from April 6, 2010). Both maximum child tax credit and maximum working tax credit and your income is under £6420 (with effect from April 6, 2010). If you are between 16 and 18 years old and receive any of these benefits in your own right, you can claim free school lunches for yourself.

5. Extensions to free school lunch entitlement Legislation was passed in November 2008 to enable local authorities to provide free school lunches to all P1-3 pupils from August 2010. The Scottish Government remains fully committed to this education commitment however, they recognise the need to be realistic in the current economic climate. From August 2010, beginning those schools that are in the 20 per cent most deprived communities in a Council area, Councils will continue to work towards providing a nutritious free meal to all children in primaries P1 to P3. In addition, Councils will work to promote increased uptake of free school meals amongst those currently eligible.

6. Are Free School Meals for all a good idea? Reducing stigma Cost for government Cost for parents Tackling Poverty Improve education Improving Health Alternative Meals

7. Outline the reasons for and against providing free school meals for all (8)