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Dear Parents and Carers
Did you know … just registering your child for Free School Meals means that the school gets extra money? Register now to make sure we don’t miss out
The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’.
For every child registered [name of school] gets £600 this year.
With this money we could [add in here specific examples how the school plans to use the Pupil Premium]. If you are registered for Free School Meals you could also get [explain any other benefits that the school or local authority may make available to pupils registered for Free School Meals e.g. help with costs of school trips].
Please register before Christmas [or as advised by your Local Authority if different] to make sure your child and others in their class don’t miss out.
How does it work?
1. First, check if you qualify – it is not just if you are unemployed, so please look at the list on the next page.
2. Registering is really quick and easy – if you think you qualify, contact [insert
name at the school or Local Authority] who will help you to register.
3. If you want your child to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime that’s
great – they will get the free meal (saving you more that £350 a year), extra
benefits and the school gets £600 extra.
4. If you don’t want your child to have the school meals they can
continue as normal – as long as you qualify and are registered, the
school still gets £600 extra.
No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.
Please talk to us about registering your child today.
Yours sincerely,
[Head teacher name]
Do you qualify?
You can register your child for Free School Meals if you get any of these benefits:
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 Guarantee element of State Pension Credit |
Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190 |
Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit |
Pupils can also register for Free School Meals if they get any of these benefits themselves. Come and talk to us if you’re not sure.
