This message is to explain how you may register for Free School Meals.

If you are eligible, registering your child for Free School Meals will save you money- perhaps as much as £350 per year. It also means that the school gets extra money. The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called the Pupil Premium. For every child registered, our school will get £488 this year.

This extra money will be used to develop the quality of teaching and learning and raise achievement levels in school. For example, it may be used for additional classes for targeted groups of students, or one-to-one tuition. If you are registered for Free School Meals you may also get additional support from school or your local authority, for example, help with the cost of school uniforms or school trips.

Please register as soon as possible to make sure your child and others in school do not miss out. It is also worth remembering that, if your child already receives Free School Meals, you must reapply annually.

Your child may be entitled to Free School Meals if you are entitled to receive one of the following benefits:

• 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 Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
• Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

The process of application varies slightly depending on which local authority you live in. If you think you may qualify, please contact Mrs Jackie Watts, our Finance Officer, who will give you help and advice about how to register.

If you want your child to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime they will get the free meal (saving you as much as £350 a year), potential additional benefits and the school gets £488 extra.

If you don’t want your child to have the school meals they can continue as normal. As long as you qualify and are registered, the school still gets £488 extra.

Should you have any further questions about registering your child for Free School Meals, then please do not hesitate to contact us at school.

Thank you.

Alan Wood - Assistant Headteacher
Jackie Watts - Finance Officer