Free School Meals

Isn't it time to check you are getting all that you are entitled to?

With the current economic downturn it may be worthwhile checking that you are getting all of the assistance you are entitled to. The Free School Meals benefit is a good way of doing this, ensuring that your child has a hot and nutritious meal at lunchtime worth between £10 and £15 per week. All food provided in schools must meet nationally agreed nutritional standards which were introduced in September 2006. These ensure that children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet.

Who can claim?

Parents do not have to pay for school lunches if they receive any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190 
• Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Children who receive any of the qualifying benefits listed above in their own right are also eligible to receive free school meals. 

How can I check if I am entitled?

You can make your initial application for Free School Meals by applying on-line. (if you are already receiving free school meals please do not use this service for re-registration). On-line applications will need to be completed by the person in receipt of the qualifying benefit. We will email you within 2 working days to confirm whether or not you are eligible.

Alternatively, you can apply by downloading the application form from the Related Downloads on the right of this page. The person who is in receipt of the qualifying benefit will need to complete the form and return it to the school office together with evidence of the benefit entitlement.

Information on Healthy Eating can be found on the Change for life Website (useful websites on the right).