Free School Meals
Thank you to all parents and carers who have applied for Local Authority Free School Meals. This application isn't required to obtain Free School Meals in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 (as they are currently provided free of charge by the government). However, if children are registered successfully we are able to obtain more funding, which will support us in enhancing our provision.
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria (see Application Guide below) then please apply now for Free School Meals now.
If your child is in Key Stage 2 they might be able to get free school meals if you are in receipt of 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
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals. If you have any queries regarding free school meals please contact the Free School Meals team on 0191 561 1417.
If you are unsure how to apply for Free School Meals, click on the document below for a helpful guide.
UNIVERSAL CREDIT
If you think you might be eligible for free school meals, submit a claim to your school or local authority. The information you provide will be used to check if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit and, if you are on Universal Credit, that your earnings do not exceed the threshold. If you claim Universal Credit, your earnings will be assessed from up to three of your last Universal Credit assessment periods.
If you are eligible, your school will be notified. Your child will receive free school meals and the school will receive extra funding.
Most people won’t be affected by the new criteria. If you’re currently claiming free school meals, but don’t’ meet the new criteria, your child will continue to receive free school meals until the end of the Universal Credit rollout period. This will apply even if your earnings rise above the new threshold or if you stop being entitled to Universal Credit. The rollout period is currently scheduled to end in March 2022.
Once Universal Credit is fully rolled out, your child will keep their free school meal until the end of their current phase of education, i.e. primary or secondary.
Where can I get more information?
You can also visit the Government's free school meal website:
