School Meals
Children may have a school meal or bring a packed lunch for their dinner. Bookings for school dinners are taken through ParentPay.
EYFS and Key Stage One Pupils
All pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for free school meals (UIFSMs). See more information below in case you are eligible to apply for 'Free School Meals'.
Key Stage Two pupils
If a child is staying is having a school dinner the money (£2.70 per day from 1st September 2024) is payable through our on-line payment system ParentPay.
Understanding the Language - Universal Infant Free School Meals and Free School Meals - What's the difference?
Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive 'Universal Infant Free School Meals', meaning parents/carers are not required to pay for school dinners if their child has a school dinner.
'Universal Infant Free School Meals' is different to 'Free School Meals'
Free School Meals (FSM)
If you are eligible for ‘Free School Meals’, you MUST apply for this. The criteria and information on how to apply is below. If you are awarded this, you will not be required to pay for school dinners from Reception to Year 6 and the school will receive a small amount of money that can be used to support your child’s provision.
Are you eligible for Free School Meals? ****PLEASE APPLY EVEN IF YOU SEND YOUR CHILD WITH A PACKED LUNCH, AS THE SCHOOL WILL STILL RECEIVE A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT CAN BE USED TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD ****
Children whose parents receive the following support payments are entitled to receive free school meals:
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
Please go to: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/free-school-meals/ to apply for 'Free School Meals'. If you need help making the connection, please speak with Mrs Buckley in the school office, and we will be happy to help you.
If you have any questions or difficulties, please get in touch with the school office on 01254 232130 or email bursar@benjaminhargreaves.lancs.sch.uk