06 Apr Free School Meals
Children eligible for free school meals will benefit from a national voucher scheme allowing them to continue to access meals if:
- The pupil has to stay at home because they and/or wider family members are displaying coronavirus (COVID-19) related symptoms.
- The school is only open for certain groups or is closed temporarily.
Schools can now provide every eligible child with a weekly shopping voucher worth £15 to spend at supermarkets while schools are closed due to coronavirus.
If you believe that you are eligible for the government Free School Meal Vouchers for your child, then please see the following Questions and Answers and Information which may help.
I believe my child receives free school meals, what should I do?
All primary school pupils in Islington receive free school meals if they attend a mainstream school. This is unique to Islington that no matter the circumstances of a family that every child receives a lunch which they are not required to pay for. However, the government free school meal voucher is for those who are eligible for free school meals based on income.
If you believe that this may include you then continue to read the information below and verify your eligibility with the local authority. Please then share this information with the school via our parent email address so we can update our FSM records for you.
Will every child at home due to school closures receive support?
This support focuses on those eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
Will pupils who become newly eligible for free school meals be supported?
Yes.
Schools and local authorities will continue to accept free school meal applications. Parents should make contact with the local authority, who will verify eligibility and award free school meals.
You can do this by visiting the Islington Citizen Portal:
www.islington.gov.uk/children-and-families/benefits-and-financial-support/free-school-meals-and-uniform-grant
What is the eligibility criteria for free school meals?
The eligibility criteria for free school meals can be found at apply for free school meals.
www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
What about infants (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes) that receive a free meal under universal infant free school meals?
It is right that schools concentrate their effort and resources on those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals at this time. There is no requirement to continue to provide universal infant free school meals to pupils in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2 who are unable to attend school. Children in those year groups who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will be supported.
Your child may 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 – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.
Edenred Information and Help for Parents
I do hope that this information is helpful.
Best wishes,
Mrs Mayende and the St Mary’s Team