Pupil Premium Free School Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free school meals via the scheme known as “Universal Infant Free School Meals”. Parent/Carers do not make any application for this as it is automatic, whether or not their child has a school meal or brings a packed lunch.
However, there is another scheme of funding for pupils called Pupil Premium related Free School Meals. Pupil Premium funding from the Government can make a big difference to the school. We would like to encourage all parent/carers to check their child’s eligibility for this funding
It is based on the following income factors and if you receive these benefits, your child may be eligible:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (as long as you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit) if you have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
- Working Tax Credit run-on – but not if you receive Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit, if your earned income after tax is £616.67 per month (£7,400 per year) or less
Why check if my child is eligible for free school meals?
If your child is eligible for pupil premium related free school meals and associated additional funding, we would like to encourage you to check eligibility and register them. Doing this will also check if your child will be eligible for free school meals when they go into Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (when the Universal Free School Meal scheme comes to an end and parents/carers will be charged for school meals). In addition, Trafford Council currently run a Household Support Fund. This award supports low-income families with children eligible for free school meals or council tax support through the the school holidays. Eligible families in receipt of free school meals will receive £15 per child per week of the school holidays. This scheme is due to run until 31st March 26. (Please do not worry if your child prefers to have packed lunches as children who are registered for free school meals still have the choice).
How do I check eligibility?
Simply click on the link below and complete the short form and school will be notified if your child is eligible.
https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims-trafford
More information
If you have any questions or specific concerns, please contact the school office in confidence via admin@parkroadsale.trafford.sch.uk or call on 0161 973 1392. You can also find more information at www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.