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Background

The idea that our children may be eligible for free school meals, especially since they have made drastic improvements in the last few years is appealing to many of us! We all recognise the importance of giving our children a healthy and balanced diet. Good nutrition is vital to all of us but especially growing and developing children. Not only does it give them the seemingly endless amounts of energy that allow them to actively take part in school activities but it nurtures their brains, improving concentration and attention span inside and outside the class room.

The School Food Trust was established by the Department for Education and Skills in September 2005. Its remit is to transform school food and food skills, promote the education and health of children and young people and improve the quality of food in schools. The Trust has recently launched the "School Dinners Makes Winners" Campaign. Find out more on the Trust website.

Many people who qualify for help with paying for school meals don’t realise it, and therefore miss out on a valuable entitlement!

How to avoid missing out

In order to avoid this here is a quick checklist and remember if you receive any one of the following you may qualify:

• Income Support.
• Income based job seekers allowance
• Child tax credit (only applies in a household where no working tax credit is being paid by either partner and the combined annual income does not exceed £15,575 )
• The guaranteed element of Pension Tax Credit
• If you are supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

If any of these apply to you then ask your school manager or secretary for Form FSM9 (applies to parents within Bedfordshire). Remember, your local authority is responsible for providing free school lunches. Follow this link, which will take you to the appropriate part of the Direct.gov.uk website. From there you can find the website of your local authority.

What does Form FSM9 ask for?

• Your personal details and the details of the child for whom you wish to claim
• Your National Insurance number
• You to provide proof of one of the above allowances; such as bank statements, letters of proof or your current Child Tax Credit document TC602

Do not worry if you are unable provide these. Take the form to your DSS office or jobcentre and an official can stamp it and sign the back to prove your entitlement.

Important Note

The allowance cannot be backdated and you must agree to notify the school or the Education Welfare Officer if any of the above allowances stop or your Child Tax Credit increases to over £15,575. Remember that completed forms must then be handed into your child’s school or to your local Education Welfare Officer.

Benefits of School Meals

The idea that you may be eligible for free school meals has its own appeal but it is also worth remembering that new Government guidelines surrounding school meals and the food they provide for your children mean that you can be sure your child is receiving good, nutritional food at school as well as at home. Another weight off your mind!

Further information

For further information surrounding Government support with school dinners visit www.direct.gov.uk and follow the link for Parents, then Schools. If you live in Bedfordshire, contact the Education Welfare Services Officer at County Hall, Bedford, MK42 9AP or call them on 01234 228948. If you live outside Bedfordshire, contact the Education Welfare Services Officer in your local authority.