Free School Meals
We understand that many families are currently struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Over the last couple of years, many families have unknowingly become eligible to receive Free School Meals. In the South East, there has been a 50% rise in the number of families eligible and at Barnwell School we estimate there are 100 families that are eligible but have not yet claimed Free School Meals for their child. If you are successful in your application for Free School Meals and are currently paying for your child's school meals, you could save £14 per week.
Applying for Free School Meals is a confidential process with credit being automatically allocated to a student's lunch account. You child can then select a meal up to the value of £2.80 at lunchtime, but you are also able to top up your child’s account with additional funds should you choose.
How claiming Free School Meals supports student progress at Barnwell School
Did you know that in addition to a student receiving free food at lunchtime, we as a school would receive 'Pupil Premium' funding for every child that is registered for Free School Meals? This additional funding is used to support our Free School Meals students in reaching their full potential by:
• improving teaching and learning
• providing mentoring
• providing additional tuition
• providing extra-curricular activities
Applying for Free School Meals is easy and we’re here to help
We would welcome, and strongly encourage, all families eligible to apply for Free School Meals. It is very straight forward to apply and we can help you too. All you will need is your email address and National Insurance number or Home Office number. Please follow the link below to apply. If you need any support with the application process, please contact Mrs Collier (k.collier@barnwell.herts.sch.uk)
Hertfordshire Application for Free School Meals
Eligibility Criteria
Your child can get a free school meal if you receive any of the following:
• 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 (as long as you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and you don't get more than £16,190 a year)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Universal Credit (with annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get).
Apply today if you receive any of these benefits. It takes 5 minutes and, in most cases, the application can tell you straightaway if your child can get free meals at school.
Hertfordshire Application for Free School Meals
