Free School Meals

Claiming for Free School Meals

If you think your child may qualify for Free School Meals, please read the following information so that you can begin to start the claim process.

Why should I claim for Free School Meals?

It is really important, that if you feel you may be entitled to claim for Free School Meals, that you do so. This is because there is additional government funding awarded to the school, called the Pupil Premium, which is awarded to schools according to the number of children in receipt of Free School Meals. This means that claiming for Free School Meals could also help your child receive other benefits at school. Therefore, if you do feel you are entitled to claim, it is very much in your, your child and the school’s interest that you do make this claim. You can even claim and then not take the school hot dinner if your child does not like it; or, your child can just have the school dinners on the days they wish to.

Should I still claim if my child receives Universal Free School Meals?

Universal Free School Meals are available for all children from Reception up to Year 2. However, if you are entitled to Free School Meals, you should still claim as it will mean the school may benefit from additional funding as mentioned above.

What are the eligibility criteria to claim for Free School Meals?

The current criteria for claiming free school meals are that you must be in receipt of one or more 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 guaranteed element of 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 – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
    • Targeted Free School Meals: For families on Universal Credit earning £7,400 or less per year after tax. This tier qualifies students for extra support like Pupil Premium and holiday programs
    • Expanded Free School Meals: For families on Universal Credit earning more than £7,400 per year. Students receive a free daily meal, though it doesn’t include extra disadvantage funding metrics. 

How do I claim for Free School Meals?

To make a claim for Free School Meals, you will need to complete an application via the link below:-

Online FSM Application

If you have more than one child at Woolden, you will need to complete a separate application for each one. 

Do I have to apply every year?

You will need to apply annually to check your FSM entitlement. Households must meet the eligibility criteria each year to be entitled to free school meals for that academic year.

Further Information

Please see our Free School Meals Leaflet for further information. Any queries, please call in to the school office and we will be able to assist you.