Saving Money for the Families and the School
Given the huge financial pressures on the school and some families at this current time, we would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of some significant economic savings that can be made. This is particularly vital in the light of recent developments relating to Free School Meals eligibility.
Free School Meals:
If students are to work to the best of their ability, concentrate and make good progress, it is vital they eat regular healthy meals which fuel their learning. The school meals provider offers a wide selection of healthy meals which cater for a range of tastes. Some children are eligible to receive these meals for free; children are eligible if their parents are in receipt of any of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of State 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
Children who get any of the above benefits in their own right (they get benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian) can also get free school meals. Children under the compulsory school age who are in full time education may also be able to get free school meals.
To access these savings, you need to fill out a simple form in confidence and we can help you check it and send it off. Please call at the school office for further information.
If a school meal costs £2.35, over 40 weeks of the school year that is a potential saving of c. £485.00. There could be further savings with financial assistance for school trips and clubs.
The government has identified Free Schools Meals as a useful indicator for increasing support for children who may come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. They have provided additional funding to schools based on the number of students who are in receipt of Free School Meals. Consequently for every child that is registered as eligible for Free School Meals we as a school receive proportionally more funding and are able to provide support and challenge for a wider range of students. This of course, benefits everyone, as more students make better progress, are more engaged and successful at school then the whole community is able to enjoy the benefits.
If you are eligible please make sure you complete the paperwork and register. Please use the link below to access the form online, or download an application form via this newsletter on our website.