Since September 2014, the Government has offered universal Infant free school meals to all pupils in EYFS and Key Stage 1, regardless of parental income. However, you may not realise that in KS2, when your child moves up to year 3, free school meals are only allocated to families who have applied through Hampshire County Council Free School Meals Scheme. Children in year 3, who may be eligible, will not automatically receive free school meals.

 

In addition to eligible children receiving a free school meal, the school receives additional funding which is used to give further support for those pupils who are eligible for free school meals. As you can imagine, receiving this additional funding makes a significant difference to how we can best support our children. Currently, eligibility for free school meals is protected for 6 years, even if your circumstances change. Meaning, if you apply now and your application is successful, your child will still be eligible when they move up to year 3, and for the remainder of their time here at Norwood, regardless of your circumstances.

 

We are requesting that every family with children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 complete our online form (please click here to open it) to will enable us to apply on your behalf.

 

To complete an application, we are requesting that you provide us with the following information for yourself or the parent/carer you are applying on behalf of:

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• Your name, date of birth, and contact details

• National Insurance number

• Child's legal name and date of birth

 

We would like to assure parents that registering is confidential and although you may not be eligible at this time, you will be registered on the Government database. And, should your circumstances change, the school will be automatically informed and you will not need to make a further application. It is important to note that no other parents/carers or pupils will know you have been assessed and it will not affect any other benefits or income in any way.

 

You do not need to discuss your circumstances with school staff at any time as the application is handled by Hampshire County Council, not the school. However, we are very happy to assist in any way we can and welcome you to call the school office should you need any help or advice. For more information please refer to the Hampshire County Council website.

 

We would like to thank everyone for their continued support.