Part of every school’s funding is based on how many pupils are eligible for free school meals (FSM), regardless of whether they choose to eat a school dinner or bring a packed lunch. Therefore, we would urge you to register for the service if you meet the criteria.
You can apply online very easily and you will get an instant decision.
It is still possible to continue to send your child to school with a packed lunch or to have a school dinner once or twice a week, or just to book a meal every so often when it is convenient to do so. The extra funding generated by this scheme is used to further enrich your child’s education by funding extra curricular activities. Your child may be entitled to free school meals if you receive: –
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment support allowance (income related)
- Child Tax Credit, and you are not entitled to receive Working Tax Credit, and have an annual income (as assessed by H M Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
- The Guarantee Element of the State Pension Credit
- Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Taking up a school meal is not obligatory and simply by registering for FSM helps the school attract funds.
Registering for FSM is entirely confidential and neither the child’s peers nor their teacher is aware that the child is registered.
If you would like any more information about FSM and the pupil premium you can speak in confidence to either Lucy Graham Scott or Karen Robinson in the school office.