Schools get extra funding, known as the ‘Pupil Premium’, for every child registered as eligible for a free school meal if their parents are receiving benefits.
Schools use this money for activities such as art therapy, booster classes, educational trips, and after-school clubs.
To qualify, your child must be in school and you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee element of State Pension
• 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 for the four weeks after employment ends
• Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400
If this applies to you but your child isn’t registered for free school meals, complete a form and return it to your child school.
Download the form and apply for Free School Meals on Wokingham Borough Council’s website.