Universal Infant Free School Meals

Universal Infant free school meals (UIFSM) provides funding for all government funded schools to offer free school meals to pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2.
 

School Meal charges from Year 3

When a child starts in year 3 (Key Stage 2 (KS2)) school meals become chargeable.  The current school meal costs £2.50 each per day/ £12.50 per week.  Parents pay online using our Arbor App.  This is a quick and easy method of paying for and tracking your child’s school meals. Notification of any actions required will be sent closer to the time.

For reference (to save having to think about topping up the account) the costs for the term are detailed below. Alternatively set yourself a reminder to top-up the account at whichever interval you prefer.

Cost per term

Autumn Term

• Sept - Oct Half term: £95.00 (38 days)
• Nov - Christmas Holidays: £85.00 (34 days)

Spring Term

• Jan - Feb Half Term: £72.50 (29 days)
• Feb - Easter Holidays: £62.50 (25 days)

Summer Term

• April - May Half term: £70.00 (28 days)
• June - Summer Holidays: £87.50 (35 days)

Low Income Families

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get 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)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

• younger than the compulsory age for starting school
• in full-time education

If you do not qualify for most benefits (also known as having ‘no recourse to public funds’), your child may still be eligible for free school meals. Ask their school or local authority whether they’re eligible.

We would encourage all eligible parents to apply, even if your child will be bringing packed lunch. Every application increases our school budget allocation and thus helps your child.

We can make an enquiry on your behalf, please contact the office by calling 01992 573518 or emailing at office@ivychimneys.efspt.org.