Under the governments Universal Infant Free School Meals initiative, all Infant aged children are entitled to a Free School Meal regardless of family income.  

Having a school lunch ensures they eat healthily, introduces them to a wider range of foods, teaches them how to use cutlery and table manners and also ensures they are ready to learn again for their afternoon lessons.

We recommend all children have a school meal instead of a packed lunch, and as it is free, you save on your food shopping costs too!

In addition, for some children, schools will also be able to claim Pupil Premium, (also known as Free School Meals) which will help provide further support for these children from lower income families. The criteria for eligibility is the same as the free school meal criteria from Key Stage 2 onwards.

Eligibility for Pupil Premium (Income based Free School Meals)

This criteria for eligibility is where parents/guardians are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers' Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• the Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit, and have an annual gross income, of no more than £16,190 as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs1
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit