Free School Meals

Parents and carers may know that, since September 2014, there has been a statutory requirement for schools in England to provide school meals to all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. We are referring to these as ‘Universal Free School Meals’ as they are different to ‘Free School Meals.’

Whilst all pupils in these year groups will be provided with a daily infant school meal, it is important that, if you think you are eligible to receive a ‘free school meal’, you continue to apply to Sunderland Local Authority. This is especially important as the extra funding we receive, called Pupil Premium, is dictated by the number of Free School Meals registrations we have. This money is crucial to the school, as it helps fund additional teachers, support staff and interventions to help your child make greater progress in school.

All parents who receive the following benefits and tax credits are entitled to receive ‘free school meals’:

• Income Support (IS)
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• National Asylum Seeker Support
• Child Tax Credits, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income as assessed by the Inland Revenue that does not exceed £16, 190 or
• A Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

If you think that your child is eligible for free school meals, please complete the application form online at www.sunderland.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals or speak to Mrs Robson in the office who will be happy to assist. Thank you for your anticipated support.