Free School meals

[countrysidemum]

Hi, hoping someone can help, my DC is due to start school in September, will he automatically get the free meals or do I need to apply for this? My local council website isn't very clear on how it works. Thanks

Is it the income based FSM, or the general KS1 free meals? If it's pupil premium/FSM, ask in the school office on the first day, if they don't give out forms in welcome packs. I only had to fill it in the once on the first year. If it's the general free meals for KS1 it's done automatically, either way, nothing to worry about until they start.

Hi it is just the general KS1 meals. Thanks for your help, I haven't had any welcome pack through or anything so didn't want to miss doing it correctly

If it’s universal free school meals (rec, Y1 and Y2) you don’t have to apply. You’ll be asked in September if your child will be having packed lunch or school dinner.

Nothing will be happening at the moment @countrysidemum, so don't be concerned about welcome packs yet! I should have clarified that those will come much closer to the end of summer term. As far as I remember, bugger all happens now for a while.

If you are eligible for income based free school meals, please apply even if you get universal free school meals. this way the school will get additional funding which can often help you with school trip costs etc!

Apply and he will qualify for additional enrichment.

There is a difference between universal FSMs and actual FSMs.