FREE SCHOOL MEALS

WHAT DOES “FREE SCHOOL MEALS ELIGIBILE” MEAN?

Our HAF Puppet Club is for children who are eligible for free school meals.

From September 2023, all primary school children in state-funded schools in London will automatically get free school meals for the 2023 to 2024 academic year.

However, to access cost-free HAF activities, parents or carers need to be registered for free school meals with Westminster council. Free School Meals is a Government Scheme for pupils who meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Government, enabling access to a free lunch during term.

Please note: Children’s Free School Meals eligibility will be checked by the council before the club begins, so please make sure your child is registered. If inaccurate information has been provided we may have to cancel your child’s place at the club.

You can find out more and apply on Westminster Council’s website:

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS?

Free School Meals is a Government Scheme for pupils who meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Government, enabling access to a free lunch during term.

You can apply for free school meals if your child is in full time education and you receive any of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)

  • 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)

  • Income Support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit

  • You can find out more and apply using these links:

  • Westminster Council - Free school meals (FSM)

  • Westminster Council - Apply for Free School Meals

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for free school meals:

  • your child needs to attend a school in Westminster

  • you need to be the parent or guardian of the child or children

  • you need to have a National Insurance number or a National Asylum Support Service number

  • you need to be in receipt of benefits

  • if your child is in reception and year 1 or 2 and already receives benefits and you meet the above criteria please apply so that your child’s school receives additional funding

  • you need to create a MyWestminster account to be able to apply.  This account can be created when you apply

If you have any questions about the MyWestminster account or are experiencing difficulty with a new application, please call 0207 641 3412 or email: fsm@westminster.gov.uk

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF BEING REGISTERED FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS 

There are significant additional benefits that families receive when they are registered for a Free School Meal, which includes: 

  • access to a place during the holidays where your child participates in enriching activities and receives a meal offer via the Government Holiday and Activity and Food programme 

  • receiving vouchers valued at £3.50 per pupil per day during all holiday periods  

  • schools claim additional funding from the government, known as ‘Pupil Premium’ for every child whose parent or carer receives one of the qualifying benefits. This additional money is used by your school to ensure that children achieve academically and have access to educational and cultural activities. It is worth over £1,000 per pupil for the school your child attends.

Please ask your child’s school for further details about any of these offers.