Catering and Free School meals

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

You may be aware that the government allocates additional funding to schools. One of the criteria used to calculate this additional funding – known as the Pupil Premium – is the number of students at a school who are eligible to receive Free School Meals (FSMs).

In common with most schools it is likely that a number of parents whose children attend this school fail to claim FSMs, even though they are entitled to them. As the school will receive additional funding based on the number of students who receive FSMs, I am writing to all parents to ask them, if they believe that they may be entitled to claim FSMs for their children and do not already do so, to make a claim. As I am sure you will agree the students at this school can only benefit if we are able to attract additional funding.

To make it easier for parents / carers to check whether they are entitled to FSMs we are making available a system called Online Free School Meals which enables you to go on line and check your eligibility as often as you wish.

If you would prefer, this check can be carried out by the school office staff. All you need to do is complete the Free School Meals application form (Click on link above) and return it to the school office. Once the office staff have completed the check you will be contacted if your child is entitled to FSMs but not currently receiving them.

In Order To Claim FSMs A Parent Must Be Claiming One Of The Following Benefits:

  • 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)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.