What types of milk schemes can be run in our LA?
You can decide what type of Milk Scheme to introduce.

The five main types are
1. Individual School Scheme
2. Subsidised Milk Scheme
3. Free Milk for the Under Fives
4. Administration Scheme
5. Free Milk for KS1 Children (Wales only)

What is the Individual School Scheme?
This scheme is run by the Schools. The parents would pay for the milk at an agreed price (this would depend on the LA price agreement and contract with the dairy). The schools would normally add approximately 1p per carton per day to cover their administration costs and to help towards school funds. They would then choose the period that the parents would pay for the milk (e.g, weekly/termly) and the school would pay the dairy invoices direct or as the agreed arrangement in your LA.

What is the Subsidised School Scheme?
There is an EU Subsidy available for all children aged 5-11 years. The parents would pay for the milk the same as in the Individual Scheme (less the subsidy). The LA would then be able to reclaim the subsidy from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) as well as some overheads needed to run the scheme. Again, the price to the parents would depend on the LA price agreement with the contract dairy but the schools would not be able to add any additional charge to this.

As from the 1st Aug 2008 there are changes to the existing subsidies available to parents of children attending both primary and secondary schools – please click here for further info http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080716a.htm

What is the Administration Scheme?
In some areas there can be an Administration Scheme available. This can be run by a dairy or an independent organisation, like Cool Milk At School. They deal with the direct invoicing of parents, but can only operate with LA approval.

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 would be 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 would be 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?
You would need to 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 run schemes in schools?
Yes, the caterers may be able to administer the schemes in your schools and we are able to offer any practical advice to assist with this facility. Click here

What if the LA already has milk schemes running?
If you already have a number of schools operating Milk Schemes in your LA, the facilitator can assist should you wish to extend, change or re launch any of the Milk Schemes. Find your local facilitator here

We would like more detailed information on the impact that milk schemes would have in our LA.
If you have any further queries, would like to discuss Milk Schemes or would like to have some more discussions about working with The School Milk Project then please contact the Project Manager.

What about recycling?
Ascertain 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 Milk Scheme/s that will be operating in your LA. For any additional information and resources visit our resource and links page. To work closely with The School Milk Project, contact your local Facilitator. The Facilitator will be able to work with you to help set up and assist with sustainability of the scheme. All we would ask is that you send a letter of introduction and authority to the schools in advance of facilitator contact. The facilitator also requires a list of all school types within your LA.