All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes are entitled to a daily free school meal under the Government’s universal free school meals programme. Children may be entitled to free school meals if they, their parent or guardian are in receipt of certain benefits.

If a child qualifies for free school meals they automatically qualify for Pupil Premium, which is additional financial support paid direct to school to help with other costs such as uniform, trips and learning interventions. Even if your child already receives a free school meal because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and if you are eligible to do so we would ask you to register for a free school meal, as your child can also access this additional financial support. (Your application is confidential and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.)

The benefits you will receive if you are eligible are:

• A free school meal for your child, which is good for their health and could help their learning.
• Savings for you, worth over £350 a year.
• Extra money for the school through Pupil Premium, worth at least £900 a year.

By registering your child for Free School Meals your school receives the extra money even if you do not want your child to take up the free meal.

Please visit https://www.stockton.gov.uk/article/2540/Apply-for-free-school-meals