Free School Meals

As an Academy, we are aware that many families are experiencing hardship as a direct result of the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. It is estimated that approximately 1 million children in the U.K., who would not previously have been eligible for free school meals, may now meet the eligibility criteria. In light of this we urge you to check your eligibility if you have had a recent change in circumstance. If you are now eligible, as well as having the option of receiving free school meals for your child, the Academy will also receive additional funding; this funding is called ‘Pupil Premium’.

For every student registered for Free School Meals at Hamstead Hall Academy, we will receive £1035. 

With this money, we could enhance the facilities available to our students in many ways; this could be by assisting students with the cost of a school trip, revision guides, transport costs, revision sessions and general resources. 

Students can register for Free School Meals if they receive any of the benefits listed below. Registering for free school meals will not affect any other benefits you are claiming. 

To register please download a copy of the 'Application for Free School Meals' or ask for a copy from the Academy office. Once completed hand it into the Academy office with valid proof of entitlement to one of the benefits listed. The proof provided must be no more than 3 months old.

If you require further clarification about any aspect of the above, please do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth Brennan, Senior Secretary, on 01213867510.

How does it work?

• First, check if you qualify - it is not just if you are unemployed, so please refer to the list below.
• If you want your child to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime that's great - they will get the free meal (saving you more than £409 a year), extra benefits and the Academy gets £1035 per qualifying student.
• If you do not want your child to have the school meals they can continue as normal - as long as you qualify and are registered, the Academy still gets £1035 extra.

Do you qualify?

You can register your child for Free School Meals if you are receiving any of the benefits below:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• 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)
  
• The Guarantee element of State Pension
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)