Free School Meals
Whether your child is starting school for the first time in September or if you already have children on roll at school, you may not be aware whether you are entitled to claim Free School Meals.
By registering your child for Free School Meals means the school receives additional funds (called pupil premium) which can assist with purchasing additional resources to aid achievement.
Registering your child is confidential and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.
Can my children have free school meals?
Yes, if you live in Lancashire and receive:
- Universal Credit with a household income of less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
- Income-Based Jobseekers' Allowance
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit, not entitled to Working Tax Credit and household income less than £16,190
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit 'run on' – the payment you receive for a further four weeks after you finish work
How do I apply for free school meals?
To apply, contact your Area Education Office (Lancashire County Council). If you provide them with your name, date of birth and national insurance number they can immediately check your entitlement via the DfE Electronic Free School Meals Eligibility Checking System (ECS).
You can apply online or by post via Lancashire County Council. Please click here to do this. To apply by post, download the application form from the Lancashire County Council website and return to:
PO Box 100
Pupil Access Team
Lancashire County Council
County Hall
Fishergate Hill
Preston PR1 0LD
Proof of benefit
The council checks your entitlement for your children’s free school meals via the Government’s benefits database. The check will only identify whether you are entitled or not.
If the check indicates that you are not entitled, this does not mean that your children are not automatically entitled to free school meals.
If you feel your children are still entitled to free school meals and you can provide proof of your entitlement then a manual assessment of your claim can be undertaken.
How often do I have to apply?
If you were a claimant of free school meals prior to 31 March 2025, your eligibility will be protected until your child finishes the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they are in, even if your circumstances change. A new application, therefore, will need to be made for pupils transitioning from primary to secondary education.
New claimants from 1 April 2025 will only be able to access FSM if they meet the eligibility criteria at the time of application, and then only for as long as they continue to be eligible.
How will the school know my child does not have to pay for school meals?
The school will be notified directly by the council that your child/children can have a school meal free of charge. Each school makes its own arrangements for notifying the dinner service staff of who is to receive a free school meal.
What if my circumstances change?
You should contact your local area education office to advise them of any changes to your personal circumstances such as:
- if you start work and come off benefit
- if any of your personal details change
- if you change address
- if your child changes school
What happens if my child has to go on work experience?
If you get free meals and your child has to go on work experience, you will be able to claim a refund for any lunches you have provided. Ask for details from school.
How much is my child's daily allowance?
At Penwortham Priory Academy, the daily allowance is £2.80. This can be spent at break or lunch. Please note that any unspent allowance cannot be carried over to the next day.
Where can I get further information?
Please visit Lancashire County Council FSM Advice for up to date information.
