Horsehead Lane, Derbyshire, S44 6XH.
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Free School Meals & Funding

 

Free School Meals & Extra Funding In School For Your Child

A lot of people don't claim free school meals even though they're entitled. That's why Derbyshire County Council has launched a campaign to encourage people to check if they're eligible.

 

You don't need to worry about other children knowing your child gets free school meals. Only the school and catering staff will know. They don't have to have a school lunch every day, and pupils are still able to bring a packed lunch, however, it will save you money and time by not having to make a lunch!

You could save £400 a year for each child and your children will benefit from a good hot meal at lunchtime.

The school benefits too − we get the pupil premium of £1,300 a year from the government for each child eligible free school meals.  We would, therefore, encourage all parents to apply if you think you may be eligible, even if your child still prefers to bring a packed lunch from home.

This extra funding is then spent on things in school for the children eligible, such as, extra support in class, interventions, subsidised trips and residentials, support with uniform and clubs amongst other things.

 

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • 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 you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on

 

Applying or Checking Your Eligibility

You can sign up for free school meals at any time of year. 

 

To check your eligibility, or to apply, takes a few minutes and all you need is your National Insurance number and a few contact details. You can do this online through the Derbyshire County Council website here.

 

You do not have to fill in a separate form for each child, even if they go to different schools. Just name the child and which school they go to.

 

It really is that easy!

 

https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/your-child-at-school/meals/school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx