What it is
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes are entitled to a daily free school meal under the Government’s universal free school meals programme. Children may be entitled to free school meals if they, their parent or guardian are in receipt of certain benefits.
Who is Entitled
If a child qualifies for free school meals they automatically qualify for Pupil Premium, which is additional financial support paid direct to school to help with other costs such as uniform, trips and learning interventions. Even if your child already receives a free school meal because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and if you are eligible to do so we would ask you to register for a free school meal, as your child can also access this additional financial support. (Your application is confidential and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.)
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
- 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.
Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:
- younger than the compulsory age for starting school
- in full-time education
How to Apply
