All children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One are entitled to a free midday meal, prepared in our own kitchen. The meals are healthy and nutritious and there is always a vegetarian option. Special diets can also be catered for.

Many KS2 pupils choose to continue to have school meals, which are available for £3.40 per day, payable weekly or monthly in advance.

Free School Meals

Free School Meals can provide your child with a free school meal during the school day if your family meets the eligibility criteria.

If you think your child may be eligible, please apply even if you are unsure. The local authority will check your eligibility and let you know the outcome.

Who can get Free School Meals?

Your child may be eligible if you receive certain benefits, including:

• 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 are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit

Universal Credit

There are different Free School Meal arrangements for families receiving Universal Credit.

Benefits-related Free School Meals are available where the household meets the relevant income criteria. Under the current criteria, household income must be £7,400 or less per year after tax and before any benefits you receive.

There is also an Expanded Free School Meals offer for families receiving Universal Credit whose household income is above £7,400 per year. This provides eligible children with a free school meal, although it does not provide the same additional disadvantage funding as benefits-related Free School Meals.

Leicestershire County Council will assess your application and confirm which type of Free School Meal your child is eligible for.

Why should I apply?

Even if your child is already entitled to a free school meal because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, it is still important to check whether you qualify for benefits-related Free School Meals.

Registering for benefits-related Free School Meals can help your child's school access additional funding to support pupils and families.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, please apply and allow Leicestershire County Council to check your eligibility.

How do I apply?

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online through Leicestershire County Council.

Apply for Free School Meals:
Leicestershire County Council – Free School Meals

You can also contact the Free School Meals team:

Telephone: 0116 305 5417
Email: freeschoolmeals@leics.gov.uk

If you need help with an application, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.

 

Important information

Free School Meals are administered by Leicestershire County Council. Eligibility is assessed by the council rather than by the school.

If your circumstances change, you should check your eligibility again and contact the Free School Meals team if necessary.

For the most up-to-date information about eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Leicestershire County Council Free School Meals webpage.