Free School Meal Information

A free midday meal is available for all children and young people whose parents are in receipt of social security benefits such as income support. If you think your child might be entitled to free school meals please contact Newcastle City Council. If you would like some help or advice about this please contact the Welfare Manager in your child's school. While applications for free school meals can not be made by any school staff on behalf of parents/carers, Academy staff might be able to offer support and advice in making applications.

The following advice is shown on the Newcastle City Council website.

"What support payments do I need to be in receipt of?

From 6 April 2009, if you are in receipt of the following support your child will be entitled to receive free school meals:

Income-based jobseekers allowance

• Income-related employment and support allowance (this benefit was introduced 27 October 2008)

• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income that does not exceed £16,040 (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs)

• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit

• If your child receives income support or income based jobseeker's allowance in their own right they are also entitled to receive free school meals. Children who receive 'education suitable for children who have not attained compulsory school age' will still need to satisfy the additional requirement of 'receiving education both before and after the lunch period', before being eligible to receive free school meals.

When to apply?

As soon as your child starts school, as soon as your situation changes and you become entitled to free school meals or if you already receive free school meals, one month before the expiry date if you want free school meals to continue next year." 

Any other enquiries that are not covered in this information may be obtained via the city council website.