Did you know that your child might 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 qualifyingfor Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit

Children who are paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child might also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

• Younger than the compulsory age for starting school
• In full-time education

If you fall within the above criteria for free school meals, the funding is known as Pupil Premium and is the additional funding provided to schools by national government. The aim of Pupil Premium is to help “narrow the gap” in performance for children who may be disadvantaged. Although children in Reception, Year One and Year Two automatically receive free school meals, we encourage families to apply as the funding extends to supporting the academic, social and emotional support. Please see the Funding tab for more information on Pupil Premium.

To find out if you’re eligible for free school meals and how to apply, go to www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals where you can put in your postcode and be directed to the correct County Council website.