PUPILS who are eligible for free school meals will receive direct payment if their school is closed due to strikes tomorrow (Wednesday, February 1) in Flintshire.

The council has announced that parents will not need to apply for the payment, which will be made per eligible child, but that payment will not be made for children in schools that are open fully, or partially closed.

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A statement from the council said: “Flintshire County Council has made the decision that pupils who are eligible for free school meals (benefits/income based only, not universal provision) will receive a direct payment if their class or school is closed due to NEU industrial action.

“This payment will be made automatically at a rate of £3.90 for each strike day, per eligible child.  Parents do not need to apply or do anything at all.  Parents will receive the payment retrospectively, once we know which schools are closing/partially closed.

“The payment will not be made for those schools that remain open fully or for those that attend a partially open school.”