For children in year three and above they could get free school meals if you get:

• Income Support (IS)

• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA-IR)

• Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (IB-JSA)

• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit or Universal Credit

• Child Tax Credit and are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income, as assessed by the Inland Revenue, does not exceed £16,190

• Working Tax Credit ‘run on’- the payment you receive for a further four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

If you receive one of the above benefits that entitle your child to free school meals, you can also register your eligibility with the council so that the school can benefit from additional funding, called pupil premium.

The pupil premium gives schools extra funding to raise the achievement of some pupils. This is measured by the number of children eligible for free school meals based on the above qualifying benefits. It is worth over £1000 per pupil for the school your child attends.

How to claim

For year three and above and to register for pupil premium:

To apply, complete an application form (downloadable from HERE) or simply ring your local Area Education Office with details of your name, date of birth and National Insurance number and an immediate on-line decision can be given (see contact details below for phone numbers).

You do not need to re-apply annually, your children will continue to receive free school meals unless you cease to be entitled, and the Council will let you know should that arise.

For more information you can contact Lancashire County Council directly:

Phone: 01254 220711 or 01254 220716
Area Education Office East, Pupil Access Team,
UNION STREET, ACCRINGTON BB5 1PL

Or get in touch with our school office.