Entitled to free school meals but cant receive them

[Madeahashofit]

I hope this doesn't come across as grabby

I am a lone parent to DD who is extremely fortunate enough to attend a local independent secondary school on a full bursary. When DD started a couple of years ago I was in a slightly better financial position so therefore managed to pay the school transport and school lunches, even though DD would qualify for free school meals due to me being a carer in receipt of benefits.

Lockdown hit hard and school stepped in to pay transport and school lunches - they are determined to keep DD at their school - for which I am eternally grateful. However, I am really struggling these days, and a lot of local help (for when DD has to self isolate and therefore miss school lunches) depend on whether the child receives free school meals.

Is there anything I could do to access the low cost/free help whilst not actively claiming fsm?

Forgot to say, I have been on MN since 2010 but namechanged for this thread

can you not explain the situation to the school and claim the FSm instead of the school paying

@Ted27

can you not explain the situation to the school and claim the FSm instead of the school paying

I don't think the school deal with free school meals @Ted27, everyone pays via direct debit - not even packed lunches are allowed!

@Ted27

can you not explain the situation to the school and claim the FSm instead of the school paying

Independent schools are not part of the free school meals scheme.

Can't you apply for FSM, and qualify, without the school's actual involvement? They just get informed. Whether you then go on to order any meals is up to you.

From memory that's how it worked?

Could you ask for a referral to a food bank?

@Augustbreeze

Can't you apply for FSM, and qualify, without the school's actual involvement? They just get informed. Whether you then go on to order any meals is up to you.

From memory that's how it worked?

I wasn't sure if I could do that, maybe I just need to contact the council. I was hoping someone on here would know - and save me an embarrassing phone call

@Augustbreeze

Can't you apply for FSM, and qualify, without the school's actual involvement? They just get informed. Whether you then go on to order any meals is up to you.

From memory that's how it worked?

No a child can only be awarded FSM if they attend state schools.

You could contact the providers OP and ask if they can award on a discretionary basis that you would qualify for FSM?

@VettiyaIruken

Could you ask for a referral to a food bank?

We're not quite at that stage thank goodness - but I know where my local food bank is should I need it thanks.

@Hwory that's what I thought re fsm only being for state schools. I think I will try and find a contact email just to test the water so to speak.

Independent schools are not part of the free school meals scheme.

I came on to say this, sorry OP. However, I would look into other schemes, as you may potentially find help and support through local organisations / food banks.

So she gets free meals when she’s at school as the school is paying, it’s you are struggling when she’s home? Food bank may be the way forward here, as it would provide the food for her lunches when she’s home?

@Bluntness100 you’re correct. I think I’ll have to look into food banks

I wonder if you have a disabled child as you say you are a carer? There might be a local charity who can help with a community pantry or similar?

[quote Madeahashofit]@Bluntness100 you’re correct. I think I’ll have to look into food banks [/quote]
Op, every other customer there is in the same boat. Just go for it. Get the vouchers, stock up, feed you both. That’s why it’s there.

Don’t sit worrying about fsm, you already have that for all intents and purposes, so don’t waste your time, just get some vouchers, make a trip and be done with it, 💐