Why should I apply?

For every child that is entitled to free school meals the school receives extra funding to enhance provision and improve progress and outcomes for children. So please apply even if you do not wish to take up your free school meal.

Infant free school meals in England

EVERY child in Key Stage One is entitled to Free School Meals (FSM) through government funding.

Your child will be able to get free school meals if they’re in:

• Reception class
• Year 1
• Year 2

You may be aware that we supply Field Court Infant School as well as our Junior School children with their school lunches.  Even though we are the provider, everything is still processed, where necessary, through the Infants.  We ask that you apply for this for KS1 via the normal free school meals applications (see below).

Transferring to the Juniors

The entitlement to free meals for all children ceases at the end of KS1 and you need to formally apply for it in KS2.  There are qualifying criteria that you need to meet – detailed below – but, if you are in receipt of government credits/allowances, you may well be entitled. Don’t forget, our school receives additional funding if your child is eligible for FSM, as well as them receiving a lovely healthy meal! If eligible for FSM, your child doesn’t need to have school meals each day if they don’t want too. Your entitlement also includes trip days, so if we are off-site on a trip, you will be asked to select your choice of cold packed lunch in advance for your child to take with them on the day!

Transferring to Secondary

If your child is currently receiving free school meals at their primary school and transferring to secondary school in September, you do not need to reapply. Entitlement will transfer automatically to their new school unless your financial circumstances change; if so you will be notified if they are no longer entitled.

If you wish to apply for free school meals, please click on the link below.  If you require any assistance, please pop in or email Mrs Clare, who will be able to help.

admin@fieldcourt-jun.gloucs.sch.uk

What are the qualifying criteria for Free School Meals?  

Your child might be able to get free school meals if you get any 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
• Universal Credit -  your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

How long will it take to get a response?

You will receive an instant response as to whether you are entitled to free school meals once you have submitted your claim. All you need is your National Insurance Number and a current email address.

When your application is received, your eligibility will be checked with the Department for Education, Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs. If unsuccessful, children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will still receive universal infant free school meals.