AldringtonFree School Meals (FSM)
HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Did you know we get additional money in our school budget if you are registered for Free School Meals?
If you are entitled to Free School Meals (or think you may be entitled but you are not claiming it at the moment) you can apply to Brighton & Hove City Council. Details of how to apply are listed below.
One of the ways the government decides on funding for schools is by looking at Free School Meals numbers. We receive around an extra £1,320 into our budget per child who is registered for a free school meal. It is important, therefore, that the council and the school have figures not just for those of you who claim but also for those of you who are entitled to claim but have decided not to.
There are additional discounted services available to those in receipt of Free School Meals such as after school clubs and music lessons.
In this present climate where school budgets are being cut in real terms we need to ensure we are receiving all the possible funding available to us so we can continue to offer a quality education to all our children.
Children whose parents/carers receive one of the following benefits will be entitled to receive free school meals:
- 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 – with a net household income below £7,400
Please note: If you are in receipt of any Working Tax Credit you will not be eligible to apply for Free School Meals.
Ways to apply
If you are in receipt of any of the above benefits you can apply online at the Brighton & Hove City Council website: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/schools/free-school-meals
The council can undertake an online check for you in complete confidence - you will need to ring 01273 293497 tell them your National Insurance Number or your National Asylum Seeker Number (NASS), your date of birth and your surname (as it appears on your benefit letter). No paper proof is required.
Or you can complete the form below:
It will really support funding for the school if all entitlements are registered.
If you have any questions about Free School Meals, please email the School Office admin@aldrington.brighton-hove.sch.uk