Free School Meals
Dear Parents
Have you registered for benefits-related Free School Meals?
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they are automatically entitled to universal infant free school meals. However, if you meet the benefits-related free school meals eligibility criteria, then it is advised you apply to receive additional benefits:
- Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is for children aged 4 to 16 in Reception to Year 11 in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. HAF offers eligible pupils access to activities and at least one healthy meal is provided during each session. The activities take place during the Easter, Summer, and Christmas school holidays.
- Pupil premium is extra funding paid directly to schools for each pupil who is eligible for free school meals. It can help to fund valuable teaching and learning support to improve pupil’s education. As a school, for example, we also subsidise trips and after school PE clubs for those pupils registered for Free School Meals.
You can apply for benefits-related FSM at any time online through the Parent Portal:
If you think your child may be eligible it is important that you apply NOW
Your child may be eligible for Income Related Free School Meals (and Pupil Premium for the school) if you are in receipt of any of the following benefits.
- income support
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
- guarantee element of state pension credit
- Universal Credit (with an annual income of less than £7,400)
- Both income-based and contribution-based JSA/ESA if you receive the same amount for both. You should also qualify if you receive both but the income-based amount is greater, but not if the contribution-based amount is greater.
- Families who are awarded Child Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by HMRC, not in excess of £16,190 are also eligible to claim free school meals providing there is no entitlement to Working Tax Credit (unless in respect of a 4-week ‘run-on’).
Children of parents/carers who work might still be entitled to FSM, dependant on income
- Benefits will not stop or be reduced if you apply for FSM
- FSM applications should be submitted to Warwickshire County Council, even if you live in another local authority
- Once the application is successful, your child will continue to receive FSM unless parent/carer income changes
Further information can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/education-learning/apply-free-school-meals