Education / Bus concern for free breakfast trial but pilot scheme ‘can only be a good thing’
THERE is concern that some pupils may not be able to benefit in full from a new trial offering free breakfasts at Shetland’s secondary schools due to the time they arrive off their bus in the morning.
But Shetland Islands Council catering team leader Neil Beattie said it would not be possible to change bus times for a short trial.
He said the council has estimated that the trial will cost around £5,500 for the month of January.
The money is coming from the Scottish Government’s islands emergency cost crisis fund, and there is a hope the pilot will run through to March.
It will mean secondary school pupils will be able to access free cereal, toast, fruit and hot drinks before classes start.
There has been some concern from parents, though, that pupils – especially at the Anderson High School – arriving off a bus shortly before the bell rings may miss out due to lack of time.
Beattie said he understood this but said transport planning was a “huge undertaking” and could not budge for a trial like this.
However, he suggested altered timetables might be something that could potentially be considered in the future if the Scottish Government rolls out free breakfasts permanently.
“But there will be fruit available, so somebody can easily grab a banana, an apple or an orange,” Beattie added.
The aim of the trial is to see if there is a demand, and to see if the schools feel it improves the attention span of the children in the morning.
The catering team leader also said the council knows there are families who would benefit from a little extra help.
“We know from the work we’ve done with the food larder and the work we do at [cost of living hub] St Ringan’s, that there are hungry families out there,” Beattie said.
“If it means that the bairns can get a breakfast they possibly couldn’t get in the house, then that can only be good.”
Chairman of the council’s education and families committee Davie Sandison said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to access this funding to help ensure that young people can access a free school breakfast.
“This will undoubtedly get them off to a healthy start in the mornings and support their learning. I look forward to hearing how this trial period goes.”
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