Applying for Free School Meals

School meals are free for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children – why do I still need to apply?

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 get free school meals, but if you receive one of the benefits from the list below you may also get help with:

• The cost of residential visits (speak to your school about this)
• Subsidised school trips
• Free school uniform
• Free Breakfast Club

If your child is in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 (5-11 years) then apply for FSM and Bradford LA will assess if you are also eligible for Pupil Premium funding, for your school: Free School Meals Application

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• The Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Universal Credit

If you receive Universal Credit:

• Household income of £7,400 per year or less (after tax and excluding benefits): your child may qualify for Free School Meals and the school may receive additional funding, known as Pupil Premium.
• Household income above £7,400 per year: your child may still be entitled to receive Free School Meals, but the school will not receive Pupil Premium funding.

If you have any queries about Free School Meals you can contact the Council on:

General enquiries: 01274 432772

Education Benefit Team: 01274 434477  Email: educationbenefits@bradford.gov.uk

For further information regarding Pupil Premium spending and its impact on the children, please refer to our section on Pupil Premium.