Many families in the borough are struggling to afford the basics, but lots of children who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) are not yet receiving them. 

The benefits of FSM 

• savings of more than £450 a year per child
• saves time making packed lunches
• your child gets a healthy tasty, cooked meal
• children achieve more when they've had a cooked lunch
• school gets extra funding to help children in their education (pupil premium- up to £1455 a year per child)

Eligibility 

Universal FSM - Reception, Year 1 and 2

Your child will be able to get FSM if they are in a government-funded school and they are in:

• reception - you can apply as soon as your child's school place has been confirmed
• year 1
• year 2 

 Year 3 and above 

Your child will be able to get FSM if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household earnings must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)