Free School Meals at Sherard

Claiming for Free School Meals

If you think your child may qualify for Free School Meals, please read the following information so that you can begin to start the claim process.

Why should I claim for Free School Meals?

It is really important that, if you feel you may be entitled to claim for Free School Meals, that you do so. This is because there is additional government funding awarded to the school called the Pupil Premium. This funding is awarded to schools according to the number of children in receipt of Free School Meals. This means that claiming for Free School Meals could also help your child receive other benefits at school. Therefore, if you do feel you are entitled to claim, it is very much in your interest, your child's interest and the school’s interest. You can even claim and then not take the school hot dinner if your child does not like it; or, your child can just have the school dinners on the days they wish to.

What are the eligibility criteria to claim for Free School Meals?

If your child is under 19 and in full-time education, you may be able to get free school meals for them if you get one of these benefits:

• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Support (IS)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
• Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 if you’re an asylum seeker
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Children who receive Income Support (IS) or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance in their own right can also get free school meals.

How do I claim for Free School Meals?

To make a claim for Free School Meals, you can apply online via the Leicestershire County Council website:

https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/social-care-and-supporting-families/free-school-meals

Do I have to apply every year?

You only need to apply for free school meals once, your eligibility will then be checked on a 4 weekly basis via the central benefit records database. If, after this check of eligibility, it is found that you are no longer eligible, the School Food Support Service will write to you requesting to see proof of the benefits you are receiving.

You will need to apply for subsequent children beginning school.