Dear Parents and Carers,
Free School Meals - Please sign up if you are eligible
The Government uses the number of children registered as eligible for Free School Meals as the basis for allocating extra funding to our schools. This is called ‘Pupil Premium’ funding and it has fantastic potential for supporting all of the pupils at our schools. That’s why it is so important that we have as many eligible parents and families sign up as possible.
If you apply and are successful here are some of the benefits:
● You will receive a £40 voucher per child, per year to assist with the cost of school uniform redeemable at Premier Schoolwear.
● The school can provide assistance with contributions towards school trips and residential visits.
● After school clubs can continue to be free of charge
● Access to the Holiday Activities and Food Programme during the Christmas holidays and future school holidays for as long as government funding is continued
Remember - you don’t actually have to eat the school dinners!
Some children or families are put off because they think that Free School Meals status means that they have to eat the school lunches. This is not true! Should you prefer to bring a packed lunch from home, that is absolutely fine. But the school will still get this important funding. Even KS1 children who already receive Universal Free School Meals may still be eligible for this funding.
You may be eligible 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)
If it is confirmed that your child is entitled to free school meals, they will remain eligible until they finish this phase of schooling (primary) they are in on 31st March 2022. There will be no need to inform the school or council if your personal circumstances change.
What to do now:
You can make your application on the Havering Council website:
https://www.havering.gov.uk/info/20006/schools_and_education/431/school_support
OR if you prefer, you can contact the school office and give your details and permission and we can check your eligibility for you.
Thank you!
