How does it work?

1. Your child might be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
   • • 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 – the previous earnings cap of £7,400 has been removed

   If your child is eligible for free school meals, they will also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme. Food vouchers may also be available through Food Vouchers | Food Vouchers | Stoke-on-Trent.

2. Applying is really easy, please follow the link to apply https://www.stoke.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals.  You will receive the outcome of your application within a few minutes.  Could we ask that you also advise the academy office.  If you have any difficulties completing the form online, please email FSM@stoke.gov.uk or call the academy office.
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 than £350 a year for each eligible child) and the school gets additional funding.
4. If you don’t want your child to have the school meals, they can continue as normal and as long and as you qualify and are registered for free school meals the academy still receives additional funding.

No-one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming. Please register immediately to make sure your child and others don’t miss out.

Should you have any questions about applying for free school meals or to discuss whether you are eligible, please speak to our academy office manager.

Complete the application form below and return it to the academy office. If you require a paper copy, these can be collected from the main entrance or emailed to you. No proof of benefits/income is required.

The application can be found below:

Free school meal application form