Free school meals - test of change phase: equality impact assessment

The Scope of the EQIA

This Equality Impact Assessment has assessed the potential impact of the expansion of FSMs to S1 to S3 pupils whose families are in receipt of Scottish Child Payment, by considering whether the evidence we have gathered indicates potentially different impacts upon persons with protected characteristics or whether there is an opportunity to improve equality in an area.

Expanding the provision of FSMs helps ensure that more children and young people are able to access a nutritionally balanced meal as part of the school day. This supports the provision of healthy, nutritious food and establishment of healthy habits with children and young people.

In line with the requirements of the general equality duty, we have considered the need to:

• eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the act;
• advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not; and
• foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not.

All protected characteristics for the particular age group have been considered with the Equality Impact Assessment.

As a result of the regular engagement with stakeholders through the FSMs Programme Operational Group and the positive outcomes from the previous phase of expansion of FSMs to pupils whose families are in receipt of Scottish Child Payment in P6-P7, the Scottish Government doesn’t intend to consult further. However, the ToC will have an independent evaluation carried out and researchers will seek the opinions of all those involved in delivery and those in receipt of the meals. This work will help inform any future expansion of the FSM Programme.

Our findings were taken from data provided within the Pupil Census 2024 Supplementary Statistics, the School Healthy Living Survey 2024 and from the Poverty and Inequality in Scotland Statistics, covering the period from 2021-2024.