There is more to signing up to ‘Free School Meal’ entitlement than you might think. 
 
Parents can help support Abbey Woods Academy ensure that it is receiving all the Government funding available.
 
Whilst attending Primary School some children may be entitled to receive a free school meal, depending on their year group and parent’s financial status.
 
There are currently two types of Government funding available to schools which help cover the cost of free school meals.
 

1. Free School Meals/Pupil Premium funding (benefit based)
2. Universal Free School Meal funding

 
Free School Meals/Pupil Premium funding explained
Children whose parents are receiving one of the welfare benefits listed below may be entitled to receive a free school meal.  If children are entitled then the school will receive additional funding called Pupil Premium. 
 
Pupil Premium/Free School Meal funding is extra money the Government provide to the school, not only to cover the cost of a school meal but to also fund valuable support like extra tuition, educational resources, additional teaching staff, or after school activities which help to raise achievement levels.
 
It is easy to check to see if you are entitled to free school meals by registering your details at  the following link: www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims.  If you have any problems using this service please come to the school office for assistance.  Alternatively, the school can check for you. Should you prefer this option, please complete this form and return to the school office. 
 
Whilst all children in Reception Class, Year 1 and Year 2 are eligible for a Universal Free School Meal (see below), parents may ask themselves why they need to sign up. It is important that regardless of a child’s year group, parents who are receiving one of the welfare benefits sign up so that the school receives as much funding as possible. This will also ensure that whilst you are still in receipt of benefits your child will continue to be entitled to a free meal whilst moving up to Key Stage 2.

To recap, your child might be able to receive free school meals and the school could receive additional funding if you are in receipt of any of the following:
o    Income Support
o    Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
o    Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
o    Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
o    The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
o    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)
o    Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
o    Universal Credit
 
Universal Free School meals funding explained
All children in Reception Class and Years 1 & 2 are entitled to receive a free school meal, regardless of a parent’s financial status through the Government Universal Free School meal funding scheme.