At this time of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that every family ensures that they get access to the correct benefits for their children, including free school meals (FSM) and the Pupil Premium. At Brockington College, we want to help every family to ensure that they get the right support and advice regarding key benefits for children at school.
The free school meal service supports families in managing their finances when money may be a little tight. Many families have reported the positive effects of free schools meals both in terms of reducing financial pressures and a happier family unit as money previously spent on lunch becomes available to the family budget.
How to apply
To check eligibility and how to apply for free school meals please contact School Catering Services at Leicestershire County Council.
- Apply via telephone on 0116 305 5417 (option 1).
- Download the free school meals application form from the Leicestershire County Council website.
- Email freeschoolmeals@leics.gov.uk
- Request an application form on 0116 305 5417 (option 1).
- Apply in writing to: School Catering Services, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RE.
Students eligible for free school meals will automatically have £3.10 credited to their account at the start of each school day. Any money not spent from this allowance will be taken off the account at the end of each day. Our free school meals provision is completely discrete – money is automatically added to the child’s account and there is no visible way for others to identify who has or has not received a free school meal.
Eligibility criteria (correct as of August 2021)
- 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 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 – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
Pupil Premium
As a school we receive additional funding (the Pupil Premium) for each child who is registered to receive free school meals. We use this money to provide opportunities to further support students in their learning and to make sure that they have the best advantages to succeed in their education.
Pupil Premium funding from the government is provided for students who:
- are registered for free school meals
- have been registered for free school meals at any point in the past six years
- are, or have been, in care
- have parents in the armed forces.
At Brockington College, we receive an extra £955 for every eligible student who is registered for free school meals and this extra funding could make a real difference to the quality of education we offer and the opportunities for your child. For example, we have previously used this funding to provide:
- educational provision/resources, such as revision guides and exam packs
- academic interventions and workshops, such as small-group work in English and maths
- wellbeing and self-esteem building sessions.