Evaluation of the Free School Meals Trial for P1 to P3 Pupils

Ipsos carried out an evaluation of a trial of Free School Meals in five local authorities in Scotland

Technical details

Ipsos Scotland was commissioned by the Scottish Government to conduct an evaluation of a trial of universal free school meals provision for Primary 1 to Primary 3 pupils in 5 local authority areas in Scotland. The overarching aim of the evaluation was to inform roll-out in other areas by exploring:

• the change in uptake of school meals by P1-P3 pupils
• process and practical issues for local authorities and schools in implementing free school meals for P1 to P3 pupils
• the range of potential health and other benefits of the trial
• the impact of the trial on the costs of providing school meals
• unexpected impacts and barriers to roll-out in other local authorities.

The evaluation used a range of methods: analysis of uptake data;160analysis of financial data; qualitative research with key stakeholders (pupils, parents, teachers, headteachers,160school catering staff and160local authority catering managers); observations in school dining halls160and a quantitative survey of parents.