From September 2014 the Government has provided a free school lunch for all children attending Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. However if your child would have been entitled to a free school meal under the old system you will need to apply in the usual way. This is extremely important for two reasons. Firstly, there is still a requirement for the authorities to monitor the number of pupils who would be entitled to a free school meal and, secondly, a large part of our school funding is based on the number of children eligible for free school meals.

Whilst the Government is now providing funding for free school meals for more children it has removed the Hardship Funding, which was available to parents for the purchase of school uniform. Therefore, the Governors of Copthorne Primary School have agreed that any parent who applies for and receives free school meal funding for their child, will receive two free school jumpers per year per child.

If your child is in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 (5-11 years) then apply for FSM and Bradford LA will assess if you are also eligible for Pupil Premium funding, for your school: Free School Meals Application

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• The Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Universal Credit

If you receive Universal Credit:

• Household income of £7,400 per year or less (after tax and excluding benefits): your child may qualify for Free School Meals and the school may receive additional funding, known as Pupil Premium.
• Household income above £7,400 per year: your child may still be entitled to receive Free School Meals, but the school will not receive Pupil Premium funding.

If you have any queries about Free School Meals you can contact the Council on:

General enquiries: 01274 432772

Education Benefit Team: 01274 434477  Email: educationbenefits@bradford.gov.uk

For further information regarding Pupil Premium spending and its impact on the children, please refer to our section on Pupil Premium.

If you wish to apply for free school meals, please click here to access the online form on Bradford Council’s website.

Please contact the school office on 01274 501460 or via email office@copthorneacademy.co.uk for further details.