Do you think you will be eligible for free school meals? 

 There are two types of free school meals:

• government free school meals
• universal free school meals

Who qualifies for government free school meals?

Free school meals can only be awarded if you or your partner are claiming any of the following:

• income support
• job-seekers allowance – income based
• employment and support allowance - income related
• support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• child tax credit, provided you are not entitled to working tax credit and have an annual income that does not exceed £16,190
• guarantee element of state pension credit.

Note: children are eligible for free school meals for a four week period immediately after their parent/carer becomes unemployed, or reduces their hours to less than 16 hours a week, but is still in receipt of working tax credit.

Who qualifies for universal free school meals?

Universal free school meals are provided for all pupils in Reception and Years 1 and 2. In order for your child's school to recognize who is eligible for universal meals and who qualifies for free school meals for funding purposes, we would encourage all parents to register with school by coming into school to speak to Mrs Roberts or Mrs Moore, even if the child does not wish to receive a meal.

How do I apply for one or both of the free school meal schemes?

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, please fill in a form on the Shropshire Council website, search Free School Meals or you can collect a form from the school office.

Similarly if your child is in Year 3 or above, you can obtain a government free school meals please fill in a form on the Shropshire Council website, search Free School Meals or you can collect a form from the school office.

What is pupil premium?

The government will continue to provide schools with additional funding to support or enhance the learning of pupils who are currently or have been entitled to free school meals within the last six years. It's essential that parents/carers apply for free school meals even if the pupil doesn't wish to receive a free school meal.