Information
Currently, pupils in Years 1 and 2 as well as Reception children all receive free school meals paid for by government funding. This provision is called Universal Free School Meals or UFSM.
In addition to this funding, parents in low income families or those that are unemployed can also apply for Pupil Premium funding so that their children can receive free school meals in subsequent school years (Year 3 and onwards). Pupil Premium funding can also give children additional support in some area of their education.
Please read on to find out how to check if you are eligible and if so, how to apply for this financial support.
Introduction
The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’.
If you qualify, your child/children can receive free school meals and the school will receive additional funding to help support your child.
If you are registered for Pupil Premium you may also get help with the cost of day trips and residential trips.
For every child registered, the school gets £1,320 this year. This additional funding allows us to provide an even better education for your child. The school will consult teachers, children and parents to decide how to target this funding to best support your child’s needs.
Are you eligible?
You can register your child for Free School Meals if you receive any of these benefits:
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· Income Support |
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· Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance |
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· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance |
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· Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 |
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· The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit |
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· Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190 |
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· Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit |
Please note you are not eligible if you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit.
How to apply
- Please contact Mrs Broadbent or Mrs Ridley in the school office.
- If you want your child to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime that’s great – they will get the free meal, saving you more than £350 a year (children in Y3-6)
- If you don’t want your child to have the free school meals, they can continue as normal – as long as you qualify and are registered, your child will still get extra targeted support or activities from the funding.
No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming
