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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask why do people not working claiming FSM get this for free?

607 replies

Sprinkledusting · 10/02/2024 22:52

I’ve just discovered if you claim FSM and even if you’re not working, you can send your child to morning/after school club for free. And not just in our school either.
There are also sports clubs and holiday clubs during school holidays that state they are free for those who claim FSM. To claim free school meals your income has to be so low that you’re not working full time or not working at all, which of the people I know, most are not.
But those who are working have to pay for breakfast club/holiday clubs.

Can someone explain to me the logic behind this? As I simply don’t understand it.

OP posts:
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Crazycatlady79 · 10/02/2024 22:57

I really don't understand why you DON'T understand this...

88greebballoons · 10/02/2024 22:57

ADoggyDogWorld · 10/02/2024 22:55

It is to give the child opportunities, not to help the parents.

Please don't feel jealous.

I do feel jealous, because I'm rushing to work every morning dropping dc off at breakfast club, which I get billed for monthly, and recently found out if you get FSN you also get this free 🤯🤯

PutMyFootIn · 10/02/2024 22:56

Trust me, if a child is getting free school meals and a free place at childrens club, their home life isn't all that great.

SummerDays2020 · 10/02/2024 22:56

The HAF scheme which provides free holiday activities and food for FSM DC is to continue to provide a free school meal during the holidays so they are fed and to give them some healthy activities to do as their family may struggle to afford the extra food and to pay for activities for their DC in the holidays. I've never come across free breakfast club/after-school club but presumably it is for the same reason.

Donoteven · 10/02/2024 22:55

It's for children in households that have almost no income other than benefits. It isn't a break for their parents. It is for the children to try to improve their life chances which are considerably worse than those of children with parents with incomes.

ADoggyDogWorld · 10/02/2024 22:55

It is to give the child opportunities, not to help the parents.

Please don't feel jealous.

MrsKintner · 10/02/2024 22:53

To help vulnerable children.