Notice No.4 expires on 22 May and this further Notice, No. 6 will last for a period of 28 days from 23 May 2020 and can be cancelled should schools reopen during that time. The Department will issue a further notice to enable the payments to continue should schools remain closed.
The modifications are necessary to enable the Education Authority to make direct payments to families of pupils entitled to free school meals during school closures due to the outbreak of Coronavirus. The Department considers that the issuing of the notice is an appropriate and proportionate action in all the circumstances to ensure those who currently benefit from free school meals continue to receive the means by which they can secure the provision of an adequate meal during school closures as a result of the current outbreak of Coronavirus in Northern Ireland.
Coronavirus Act 2020 Modification of Education Duties Notice No 6 Free School Meals Direct Payments