Free School Meals
Did you know that being eligible for Free School Meals means more than a free lunch?
If you are registered for Free School Meals the school receives additional funding. This funding is used in many different ways, which are detailed in the school’s Pupil Premium Strategy.
What can parents do?
You must register for the free school meals so that the school can receive the extra money even if you do not want your child to have the free school meals. Registering is confidential and will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.
If your child is registered for Free School Meals they could receive help with paying for educational trips, revision guides, music lessons, ingredients for cooking lessons etc.
Am I Eligible?
All households receiving Universal Credit will qualify for FSM, regardless of income levels.
You can also qualify if:
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support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:
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a claim for this support has been made
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their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
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are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
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meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds
Transitional protections that allowed eligible pupils to retain their entitlement even if their household circumstances changed will end at the end of the current academic year.
You can apply for Free School Meals online at this link:
https://parentportal.wiltshire.gov.uk/web/portal/pages/parents/free-school-meals
Further details are available on the Wiltshire Council website https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/1669/Free-school-meals
