DairyCo

What types of milk provision is there?

Published 20 August 09

How can we provide milk to schools in our LA?

There are a number of ways you can introduce milk into schools:
1. Independent milk provision
2. Subsidised milk
3. Free Milk for the Under Fives
4. Free Milk for KS1 Children (Wales only)

What is Independent milk provision?
The schools would provide milk. The parents pay for the milk at an agreed price. The price depends on the Local Authority (LA) price agreement and contract with the milk supplier. There are no legal restrictions on how much the milk can be sold for. Generally schools choose to add approximately 1p per carton per day to cover their administration costs and to help towards school funds. The school then chooses the period that the parents would pay for the milk (eg, weekly/termly) and the school pays the dairy invoices direct or as the agreed arrangement with the LA.

What is subsidised school milk?
The EU Commission provides a school milk subsidy that is available for all children aged 5-16 years. Parents pay for the milk the same as above (less the subsidy). The LA then reclaims the subsidy from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). In addition to the milk subsidy, the LA is able to claim a subsidy which can help with administration. In some LAs there is further assistance provided for administering the subsidy, this is usually provided through a third party and may include direct invoicing of parents. Again, the price to the parents depends on the LA price agreement with the contract dairy/administrator. There are legal restrictions in place to ensure that there can be no increases made to the parent by the school for the cost of the milk.

What is the Free Milk for Under 5's Scheme?
Under the EU Subsidy, all milk is free for the Under 5's, as long as they are in care/education for more than two hours a day. The milk is ordered as per Under 5 child and the LA or registered organisation is able to reclaim the cost. For more information click here.

What is the Free Milk for KS1 Children Scheme? (Wales only)
The Key Stage 1 Scheme has been introduced by the Welsh Assembly, which uses the EU Subsidy and extra finance to make milk available free to children in Primary Education covering the Reception Year, Year One and Year Two. The LA is able to reclaim the costs of supplying the milk from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) who administer this scheme. LAs are also able to reclaim the cost of administering the scheme.

How do we register for the EU subsidy and for the Free Milk for Under Fives?
Contact the RPA and the NMRU for information and application packs. Click here for information on NMRU or visit our resource download page for a brief guide to subsidy.

Can our caterers provide milk in schools?
Yes, the caterers may be able to organise the provision, administration and distribution of milk in your schools and we are able to offer practical advice to assist with this facility. Click here

What if the LA already has an agreed milk provision in place?
If your LA already provides milk for schools then why not visit our case studies section (click here) to gain more ideas or………..why not let us know how successful you are by providing us with more case studies for the site by emailing project@schoolmilk.co.uk

Where would we be able to obtain more detailed information on the impact that providing milk for our schools would have in our LA?
You can contact the RPA for additional information. Why not contact another LA that you know is providing milk, or if you have any further queries, The School Milk Project www.schoolmilk.co.uk

What about recycling?
Check if any community collection schemes are in place and what support they offer schools within your LA. For more general information Click here

What next?
Contact the schools, informing them of the type of milk provision you will be operating in your LA. For any additional information and resources visit our resources and links page.