Free School Meals and Pupil Premium

Parents may be aware that schools receive additional funding from the government, known as pupil premium, for children who are entitled to free school meals. This money allows us to provide extra staffing resources and smaller group sizes and also to subsidise trips and activities which is outlined on our Pupil Premium page.

We want to make sure that we have all eligible children registered for free school meals before the next head count in January. Since the introduction of Universal Free School Meals for infants, many families have not registered their child with the city council. Also, some families do not make a claim as their children prefer to have packed lunch. Once registered children can still choose to have packed lunch and also have fun Friday dinners or special occasions dinners when they wish. Please can all parents check the eligibility criteria below to decide if you have children at school who are eligible but not registered.

Miss Bholat and Miss Bailey in the office will be able to help anyone to register by phoning the council or support you to fill in the form. Please call and they will be happy to help. The form is also available to download or can be completed on-line by clicking on the links below.

Apply online: www.leicester.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

You may qualify for free school meals and the Pupil Premium if:
  • You receive Child Tax Credits (but are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and your gross annual family income is less than £16,190, as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs. Please note that your children will NOT qualify for Free School Meals if anyone in the household is entitled to Working Tax Credit, regardless of income.
  • You receive Income support.
  • You receive Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA). Please note that Contributions Based JSA is NOT a qualifying benefit.
  • You receive Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Please note that Contributions Based Employment and Support Allowance is NOT a qualifying benefit.
  • You receive the Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit. You are an Asylum Seeker and receive support from the National Asylum Support Service under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
    • Please note:

    By applying for free meals, you could raise valuable extra funding for your child's school through the Pupil Premium. It is therefore important to complete this form even if your child is in reception, Year 1 or year 2 and receives a free meal automatically, in order to ensure that the school receives as much funding as possible.

    You do not need to renew your application each year unless your child is a sixth form pupil. Once granted, your child's free school meals will continue until they finish Year 11, unless your circumstances change and you no longer meet the qualifying criteria. You do not need to send any proof of benefits to us at this stage. If we do need to see evidence at any time, we will contact you.

    Claims can only be processed upon receipt of a fully completed, valid application form, and cannot be backdated. Please ensure that you sign the form before sending it to us.

    Pupils who are in foster care are not entitled to free school meals if their foster parents are paid a fostering allowance.