KILMARNOCK'S MSP has welcomed more than 500 school support payments made to families in East Ayrshire last year.
Alan Brown, MSP for Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, said families received a one-off Best Start School Age Payment of £331.95 to help cover the costs of uniforms, shoes, and school bags as children returned to school.
He also praised East Ayrshire Council for delivering universal free school meals to all primary pupils ahead of plans to extend the offer nationwide.
The MSP said: "The start of the school year is an exciting time for children and families, but it also comes with additional costs, so it is important that families know about the support available to them.
"505 Best Start School Age Payments were made here in East Ayrshire last year, while families can also benefit from support including the School Clothing Grant and free school meals."
He said the expansion of free meals has been a "collective effort" and singled out the contribution of frontline workers.
He added : "Everyone involved deserves recognition – council officers, councillors and particularly the catering and food services staff who do an outstanding job every day delivering meals to thousands of children across the local authority.
"At a time when household budgets remain under real pressure, these measures can make a significant difference and I would encourage families to make sure they are receiving all the support they are entitled to."
More than 360,000 children are currently entitled to free school meals across Scotland.
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