Universal Free School Meals
Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2
All children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 get a Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM). These are free of charge and not linked to any benefits a family may claim.
If you are on a low income, you should still apply for free school meals so that your child’s school can claim the Pupil Premium, this can range from £955 to £1,345. This extra money is paid direct to schools for each child eligible for free school meals and used to support your child’s education.
Free School Meals (benefits related)
All children and young people
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following:
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods, and your monthly average income over three assessment periods should be no more than £616.67)
- 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 are 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 four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
Or fits within any of the following categories:
- You are from a military family
- Your child is in the care of the Local Authority, or has been in the care of the LA and is now adopted
If you think you might be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSMs) and your child is aged 4 to 18 years we would strongly encourage you to apply (even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2). As well as your child receiving a free meal, the school also receives additional funding called Pupil Premium which can be used to support children in school. Currently, families who have applied for Benefits-Related Free School Meals have received supermarket food e-vouchers and activity clubs in school holidays.
Please visit the Schools Meals webpage to find out more.
If you do not have access to the internet, please ask the office for a paper application form.
Further information is available on the South Gloucestershire Council website. Parents and carers can apply for free school meals online via the South Gloucestershire Portal. Your eligibility will be checked online, and the portal will let you know whether your child is eligible for free school meals. If your child is eligible you will receive a confirmation message, and the school will be notified directly. If you are not eligible you will be presented with a message stating this.
Apply Online Here or Download the application form below:
