The benefits of choosing school meals are numerous.  School food has to meet high nutritional standards which guarantee children a healthy, balanced menu, and research proves that when pupils eat better at lunchtime, they do better in the afternoon. 

School meals contribute to the development of good food habits and eating a heathy balanced diet from an early age is critical for growth, development and engagement with healthier food.

What is Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is funding allocated to schools for the specific purpose of boosting the attainment of pupils from low-income families.  Funding is based on children registered for a free school meal, further reinforcing the importance of making sure all those who qualify are actually registered.  The Pupil Premium is intended to help schools provide targeted support to improve the life chances of young children.  It will help them progress further in education and ultimately, in employment opportunities.

Who Qualifies?

Parents can claim free school meals for their child if they or their partner get one 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 that does not exceed £16,190

Please download the relevant form below and return to school, even if your child is entitled to Universal Free School Meals. Thank you.