Barrhead: Free lunches go down a treat with nursery kids

Clean plates at the Arthurlie Family Centre, in Barrhead

As part of the roll-out of increased free childcare for all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds, a hot lunch is now provided in all nursery classes and family centres.

Child development officer Niamh Anderson was pleased to see kids tucking into their lunch

The number of free hours available to all children in early years is now 1,140, which is, in effect, a rise to 30 hours per week.

Healthy lunch options are on the menu

This change matches the time children spend each week in primary school and has allowed many families to opt for full-day early learning provision.

Rachael Crossan works her magic

Providing hot meals ensures all youngsters have access to nutritious lunch options and develops more of the skills and experiences which will help ensure a smooth transition to primary.

Tasty soup is always a hot favourite

To allow this service to be introduced, many of the nurseries and family centres required modifications to be carried out and all facilities now have dedicated dining arrangements in place for children to eat.

This youngster was bowled over by her delicious soup

Councillor Alan Lafferty, East Renfrewshire’s education and equalities convener, told the Barrhead News: “It is fantastic that all the children in our nurseries and family centres can now access a free healthy lunch as part of their funded offering.

Michelle Maclean has been busy in the kitchen

“We know how important a balanced diet is for helping young minds to develop and this additional service will further enhance the experience of all the young people attending our early years establishments.

Nicola McGowan dishes up lunch

“You can see from the smiles on their faces how much they are enjoying the new menu and it is testament to the hard work which has gone in behind the scenes to ensure we were able to deliver this service to such a high standard.”