Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my child is eligible for free school meals and should I apply?
All P1 to P5 pupils are entitled to a free school meal in all schools. This is separate and different to being eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).
Children from low-income families may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and also help towards buying school clothes. You can find out more about eligibility and how to apply here:
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/855/school_meals/117/free_school_meals_and_clothing_grants
Additionally, the figures of how many people are eligible for FSM are used by the Council as statistics when thinking about services. If some people choose not to apply when they would be eligible (due to stigmas or any other reason), then the statistics are flawed, and Council services are not catered appropriately. Parent Council strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to apply.
- Is the Parent Council a member of Connect?
Yes, Midlothian Council provides membership of Connect to all Parent Councils in the county.
Here is our certificate (PDF)
Here is information about our membership with Connect:
Membership leaflet 2024 (PDF)
- Does the Parent Council have liability insurance?
Yes, Midlothian Council pays for our membership to Connect and that includes liability insurance. The cover includes:
• cover for volunteers
• damage to third party property
• damage to third party persons (injury)
• products liability
• property owners’ liability
• legal costs.- There are lots of jargon and acronyms used around school, what does it all mean?
Connect have helpfully provided the following, so hopefully you will find the answers you're looking for here:
Jargon Buster (PDF)
Acronyms (PDF)
- What are the laws and policies that affect children and parents?
This leaflet highlights the important laws and policies that you should be aware of:
- Is there training available to learn more about Parent Council?
Connect run many useful training sessions for our benefit. You can see what's coming up, as well as view recordings of previous sessions here:
https://www.connect.scot/events
To book, you will need to register. Just use the option for "The PC/PTA at my child’s school is a member of Connect" on this registration page:
https://www.connect.scot/register
- Can you give me any benefit advice?
Scottish Child Payment:
A payment of £100 paid every 4 weeks for children under 16 if their parents/carers are receiving any of the qualifying benefits below:
Qualifying benefits for Scottish Child Payment: Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income based Jobseekers Allowance(JSA), Pension Credit, Income Support, Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
School Age Payment:
School Age Payment is a one of payment of £294.70 – The payment this year is for children born between 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2019, whose parents/carers are in receipt of any of the qualifying benefits below:
Qualifying Benefits for School age payments: Housing benefit, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income based Jobseekers Allowance(JSA), Pension Credit, Income Support, Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Early Learning Payment:
Early Learning Payment is a one of payment of £294.70 for children aged between 2 and 3 years 6 months, whose parents/carers are in receipt of any of the qualifying benefits below:
Qualifying Benefits for Early Learning payments: Housing benefit, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income based Jobseekers Allowance(JSA), Pension Credit, Income Support, Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
(Please note if a parent/carer is already in receipt of Scottish Child Payment they will automatically get the Early Learning and School Age Payment and do not need to apply).
For more help and information contact Charlene Reid, Home School Practitioner: Charlene_Reid@midlothian.gov.uk
