Applying for Free School Meals
The Government currently provide a free school lunch to all pupils in years R, 1 and 2 under a scheme called the Universal Infant Free School Meal Scheme (UIFSM). Confusingly, there is a similarly named scheme called Free School Meals which is means-tested and only available to families who fit the eligibility criteria based on household income and being in receipt of certain benefits.
Even if your child is receiving a free lunch under the first scheme (UIFSM), we would still strongly encourage parents and guardians to apply for Free School Meals, as we will receive additional funding to support learning for families who successfully apply, called Pupil Premium Funding. This could also mean that you have a discount on school trips. In addition, all families who successfully register with a pupil in Key Stage 1 will get a free school sweatshirt
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get 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 - 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).
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
