Free School Meals

If you think your child may qualify for Free School Meals, please read the following information so that you can begin to start the claim process.

Why should I claim for Free School Meals?

It is really important, that if you feel you may be entitled to claim for Free School Meals, that you do so. This is because there is additional government funding awarded to the school, called the Pupil Premium, which is awarded to schools according to the number of children in receipt of Free School Meals. This means that claiming for Free School Meals could also help your child receive other benefits at school. Therefore, if you do feel you are entitled to claim, it is very much in your, your child and the school’s interest that you do make this claim. You can even claim and then not take the school hot dinner if your child does not like it; or, your child can just have the school dinners on the days they wish to.

What are the eligibility criteria to claim for Free School Meals?

If your child isn’t registered for Free School Meals and you receive any of the following benefits, your child may be able to get free school meals:
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

For further guidance on the current eligibility criteria please follow the link to the government website: Apply for free school meals – GOV.UK

How do I claim for Free School Meals?

To make a claim for Free School Meals, please click on the link below:

https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/pp-discoverytrust

Do I have to apply every year?

Please follow the link to the government website: Apply for free school meals – GOV.UK for current guidance

Further Information

If you would like any further information about Free School Meals, please contact the school office and we will be able to assist you.