All state-funded schools in England, including academies and free schools, have a legal duty to offer free meals for all children in Reception to Year 2, under the Universal Infant Free School Meals policy.
So, as you know all children that attend our school are entitled to a free school meal. This is because we are an infant school, once your child reaches the junior school this entitlement ends. But did you also know that if you register for a free school meal and meet the requirements, as a school we will receive an extra £1,300 to help support your child with their learning? This is known as the Pupil Premium entitlement. This will follow them through to the junior school and your child will continue to receive a free school meal and the junior school will continue to receive extra money to support your child. Even if you find your circumstances change and your income has increased, your child is eligible for a total of 6 years.
The money is given to schools to support them in enabling ALL pupils to reach or exceed the nationally expected level for their age. Each school may decide how best to use the funding and they are held accountable for how it has been used to support pupils from low income families.
Often parents are concerned that there is a stigma attached to being seen as a ‘low income’ family. At Fakenham Infant and Nursery School, all matters regarding free school meals and Pupil Premium are treated confidentially. The key purpose of our Pupil Premium funding is to enable all the pupils to reach their full potential. We work with our families and colleagues to make sure everyone involved with the child has high aspirations.
We have sent home a simple form to fill in and return to us. We then send to Norfolk County Council who determine if your child is eligible. If your joint family income is under £16,190, you may be eligible. Even if you’re not sure please return the form anyway.
To apply for free school meals please click on the following link https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools/school-meals-and-milk
