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Chapter Two: Methodology
2.1 Summary of method
As mentioned previously, the purpose of this research was to obtain information relating to procedures within local authorities on eligibility and registration for free school meals. The key element of this was a series of qualitatively-based interviews with a representative in each local authority, although in the first instance a small amount of desk research was undertaken in order to help contextualise the qualitative interviews.
2.2 Initial desk research
The desk research was undertaken via internet searches of local authority websites and discussions with the project manager at the Scottish Executive.
Initial internet searches were conducted on all local authority websites in order to ascertain the amount of information available on eligibility and registration for free school meals. Information collected included:
- Eligibility requirements;
- Process for application;
- How to obtain application forms;
- Required evidence to support a claim;
- How often evidence/ claim is required to be submitted;
- Other benefits which can be registered for at the same time.
Where possible, we downloaded information on the registration process and/ or application forms.
Details of the individual dealing with free school meal entitlement and application were also collected from each website where possible. This provided the basis for the sampling frame for the subsequent telephone discussions. Where contact details were not available on the website, we contacted the local authority switchboard directly and asked for the person who would be the most appropriate to speak to.
As such, a full search of all 32 local authority websites was completed. The findings from this have been summarised in an excel data spreadsheet containing details of eligibility criteria, application procedures, frequency of application and other benefits which can be applied for e.g. clothing and footwear grants.
The findings of this element of the study have been used to supplement information gathered during the qualitative stage of interviews and are incorporated into this report where relevant.
2.3 Qualitative interviews with local authority contacts
The main component of the research was undertaken by conducting in-depth telephone interviews with the appropriate representative within all local authorities in Scotland concerned with the procedures for the identification and registration of children eligible for free school meal entitlement.
A flexible approach to all the interviews was adopted and a topic guide was used to stimulate discussion of specific topic areas. This ensured that key information was gathered while the discussions were loosely structured to allow respondents to express their feelings freely and to explore other relevant topics of interest. This element of the study was also used to confirm that details obtained via local authority website searches were correct. During the course of the interviews, respondents were asked to provide copies of any further paperwork relating to eligibility or registration for free school meals not already accessed via their website, together with any other internal documentation of any relevance to this study. Throughout the discussions, areas of best practice which local authorities have undertaken in relation to free school meal registration were noted and where possible have been incorporated into the report.
In total 33 discussions were completed with all 32 local authorities in Scotland. An additional interview was undertaken within one local authority where the respondent felt they could not provide all the required information. In this instance their colleague was able to answer the remainder of the questions within the discussion. All of the 33 interviews were conducted by senior executives within the George Street Research project team.
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