Free School Meals
How to apply for free school meals
The easiest way to check if you are entitled to receive free school meals is to apply online; you can do this by using the link on the right hand side of this page. Please ensure when you apply for free school meals that you confirm you agree to the declaration, without this consent we will not be able to process your application.
Alternatively you can apply using a paper application form which you can download from the ‘downloads’ tab at the top of this page or request a hard copy from your child’s school or by calling our Customer Service Centre on 01522 782030.
Who is entitled to free school meals?
Parents do not have to pay for school lunches if they receive 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 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
Children who receive any of the qualifying benefits listed above in their own right are also eligible to receive free school meals.
What if my circumstances change?
You should notify the school and the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782030 of any changes:
- if you start work and come off benefit
- if you change address
- if your child changes school
Free School Meal Standards
All food provided by schools must meet national nutritional standards. These ensure that children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet. The new standards, introduced in September 2006, require the following:
- high-quality meat, poultry or oily fish regularly available
- at least two portions of fruit and vegetables with every meal
- bread, other cereals and potatoes regularly available
School meals are the best way to make sure your child is getting all the nutrients they need to be able to learn.
