Who knows if a child is on FSM?

[orchidsonabudget]

we have just received UC - I understand I can apply for FSM but I want to know who would know if they are receiveing it?
Kids at small village primary
Also older DC at secondary

I’ve always know pm books to be stickered, but they all are in some form or other and I don’t think the children would be able to work out the system (just coloured stickers - the meaning of which only means something to the people in the know).

@Nonamesavail

We recently discovered my son in year 12 is entitled to a bursary because we had fsm in 2017 for a few months. Things like this REALLY help out. If we didn't claim when needed he wouldnt be able to get the bursary now which helps him loads.

We actively tell our 6th form students about these financial supports. Anything that helps a student to stay on track for their course. Our students use their bursaries for many things, including IT, books, stationery etc.

I've been trying to track just this week what help is available to service children post-16. Government guidance is clear up to Year 11 but not for 6th forms. The money to the school is not a lot - approx £300 per year. But every little bit helps.

I am data, not finance - but found this week that our school is having to pay £thousands to the school's catering company due effectively to COVID. Catering contracts are awarded on an estimated level of food sales - fair enough. But with year groups in and out - the student food sales are short. So the school has to make up the difference. So state schools are really short right now. So please claiming FSM, as you are validly entitled, helps schools in so many ways beyond your immediate family.