Free School Meal Entitlement and FEAST school holiday activities

Dear Parents and Carers,

We want to ensure that we provide the best possible education here at Crayke CE Primary, supporting students to achieve their potential. A healthy meal at lunchtime is an essential part of this.

As you know, families that meet certain criteria (see below) may be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals. We want to support our families to apply to receive these for free wherever applicable. Alongside free lunch during term time, being registered for benefits-related Free School Meals also entitles your child to free activities and meals during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays through FEAST.

What is FEAST – North Yorkshire Together FEAST offers children and young people in North Yorkshire a range of holiday activities, with free places and a free meal for eligible families. northyorkshiretogether.co.uk

Further, when students are registered for benefits-related Free School Meals, our school receives additional funding (‘Pupil Premium’), which is pooled and used for extra support and initiatives throughout school. It’s vital for everyone that all children who are eligible for Free School Meals are registered as such.

What do I need to do?

Many families qualify for benefits-related Free School Meals without realising. We would encourage families to apply, even if they have been unsuccessful in the past or if you believe you are not entitled.

You can apply for Free School Meals on the North Yorkshire Council website here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/education-and-learning/free-school-meals

Eligibility criteria for benefits-related Free School Meals:

·         Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods (£616.67 per month)

·         Income Support

·         Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

·         Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

·         support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

·         the guarantee element of Pension Credit

·         Child Tax Credit, provided you are also not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual household gross income that does not exceed £16,190 (as assessed by HMRC)

·         Working Tax Credit run-on, paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

What if my child receives Universal Infant Free School Meals?

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive Free School Meals. Because of this, these children are not registered for benefits-related Free School Meals unless the family applies. This means the school does not receive the Pupil Premium for these children, which reduces the amount of support and initiatives we can provide. You may also experience some disruption in receiving Free School Meals when your child moves into Year 3. We would encourage all families with children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 who think they may be eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals to apply using the information above.

If you would like help with applying, please contact Mrs Bacon or Mrs Jackson.