Free School Meals

Your child will be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following benefits:
·         Income Support;
·         Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
·         Employment Support Allowance (Income related);
·         Child Tax Credit, and you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by H M Revenues & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190;
·         the Guarantee Element of the State Pension Credit;
·         support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;
·         if a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week.

There is no need to send documentary proof of your benefit you just need to complete an application form.

To apply for free school meals you can download an application form at www.suffolk.gov.uk or call 0845 606 6173.  Alternatively, you can collect a form from the school office.
 Simply complete the form and return it to:

Southern & Northern Area

Education Office, Free School Meals

Constantine House

5 Constantine Road

Ipswich IP1 2DH

 Once your completed application is received, SCC will carry out a secure eligibility check using the Government’s online benefits database.   If your application is successful they will authorise the school to provide your child with meals free of charge. They will not send you a cheque or any other form of payment.  The school will handle this sensitively and confidentially, and at no point will other pupils be aware of your child having free school meals.

If you need any more information please contact the Customer Service Centre on 0845 606 6173, or ask at the school office.