Free School Meals

Are you Eligible for Free School Meals?

In Blackpool, primary school children may be eligible for free school meals if their families meet certain criteria. Eligibility is usually based on the family's financial situation, such as whether they receive certain benefits. Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you are in receipt of one of the below benefits:

  1. Income Support: If the parent or guardian is receiving Income Support, they are likely eligible for FSM.

  2. Universal Credit: Families receiving Universal Credit with a gross annual income of £7,400 or less (after tax) are eligible.

  3. Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): Eligibility also extends to families receiving income-based JSA.

  4. Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Families receiving income-related ESA may be eligible.

  5. Other Benefits: Families in receipt of support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or those with a child who is looked after by the Local Authority, may also qualify.

Note: If you are unsure whether your family qualifies for free school meals, don’t hesitate to contact the school office for advice.

How to Apply for Free School Meals

Applying for free school meals in Blackpool is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to apply:

1. Check Eligibility

First, check whether your child qualifies for free school meals based on the criteria listed above. You can verify eligibility by:

2. Apply Online

You can apply for free school meals online through the Blackpool Council website. Here's how:

  • Visit the Blackpool Free School Meals Application Page.

  • Complete the online application form with the necessary details, including your personal information and benefits information.

  • Submit the form and await a response from Blackpool Council.

3. Apply by Phone or Post

If you prefer to apply by phone or post, you can contact Blackpool Council’s School Admissions Team:

  • Phone: Call the Blackpool School Admissions team at 01253 476668 for assistance in applying.

  • Post: Request a paper application form by calling the school admissions team and sending it back with the required documents.

4. Submit Supporting Documents

Depending on your situation, you may be asked to provide proof of your benefits or income, such as a recent Universal Credit statement, Income Support letter, or a payslip.

What Happens After I Apply?

Once your application is submitted:

  1. Processing Time: Blackpool Council will process your application, which typically takes a few days to a week.

  2. Approval or Rejection: You will receive a letter or email informing you whether your application has been approved or rejected. If approved, your child will be eligible for free school meals, and the school will be notified automatically.

  3. Ongoing Eligibility Checks: It’s important to notify the school if your financial situation changes, as this may affect your eligibility. You will also need to renew your application periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for free school meals if my child is in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2?

Yes! All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 automatically receive a free school meal through the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals program. However, you may still need to apply if you want to claim additional benefits, such as pupil premium funding or free food shopping vouchers in the school holidays.

2. My child is in Year 3 and above. Can they still get free school meals?

Yes, your child may still be eligible if your household meets the income criteria mentioned earlier. If you haven't already, make sure to submit an application and find out if you are eligible.

3. How will the free school meal be provided to my child?

Your child will be given a free school meal daily at school. Our team will handle the logistics of providing the meal to your child, and you will not need to take any further action after approval.

Applying for free school meals in Blackpool is a simple and straightforward process that can greatly benefit families. By ensuring that your child has access to healthy and nutritious meals, you are helping to support their education and well-being. Don’t hesitate to apply today if you think your child may be eligible!

If you have any questions, contact the school office.