Free School Meal Vouchers
The school is following the government’s guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools to ensure that pupils entitled to benefit related free school meals continue to have access to these meals where they are not attending school. Parents and/or carers will be sent a voucher via email using the government recommended supplier, Edenred. This does not apply to children who were receiving a meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme, of which the current guidance states:
‘What about infants that receive a free meal under universal infant free school meals?
It is right that schools concentrate their effort and resources on those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals at this time. There is no requirement to continue to provide universal infant free school meals to pupils in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2 who are unable to attend school. Children in those year groups who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will be supported’.
However, if you are claiming any of the associated benefits, please see below. You can still apply online now.
Free School Meals
Help your school and yourself - claim free school meals
Taking up free school meals has benefits for everyone:
- children get a healthy nutritious meal
- schools can benefit directly by receiving £1300 for each eligible primary school child
families entitled to free school meals could save more than £400 per child per year
Who qualifies for free school meals
Free school meals are offered to children of families who receive:
- Income support
- Income Based Jobseeker Allowance (IBJSA)
- Employment & Support Allowance (Income Related) (ESA(IR))
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit (TC602) - if you have a yearly income of less than £16,190 and do not get working tax credit, then your child/children are entitled to free school meals
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
How to apply for free school meals?
If you think you qualify for free school meals and have an email address or mobile number then you can apply through Slough Boroughs Councils online free school meals form. Slough Borough Council will then inform you if your application is successful or not.
http://www.slough.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/free-school-meals.aspx
