Free School Meals
We encourage all families who are entitled to a free school meal to claim it. Parents/carers are entitled to claim free school meals for their child/children if they receive:
- 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, or 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 - if working, your net household income must be less than £7,400 a year (not including any benefits you get)
Free school meals has now been permanently extended to all families affected by No Recourse to Public Funds
For those students entitled to a free school meal, a daily sum is automatically added to the child's cashless card and thus they pass through the checkout in the same way as those paying for their meals. Students who are entitled to a free school meal are able to choose from the range of quality food on offer.
Schools receive funding for use with the general curriculum based on the number of free school meals they provide. We would, therefore, encourage all parents/carers who qualify to claim the free school meals.
How to Apply for Free School Meals
If you are in any doubt about whether your child is entitled to a free school meal please ring the London Borough of Sutton on 020 8770 5000 and the team will be able to give you the information you require. Alternatively click here for further information and how to apply.