Since September 2023 all state-funded primary school children in London are now eligible for free school meals funded by the Mayor of London.
The government provides Universal Infant Free School Meals to all children in state funded infant school and to some older children that meet a strict eligibility criteria. The Mayor’s funding expands free school meals so that every child in a state London primary school has the offer of a free lunch.
The Mayor’s programme is consistent with the government’s existing free school meals programme. It covers state-funded primary schools, special schools and pupil referral units, including faith schools, but not private or independent schools. Every child who attends one of these schools will be eligible for free meals under this scheme.
Your child will automatically be enrolled to receive the offer of a free school meal. It’s really important that you still complete your school or borough’s registration form for government funded Free School Meals, in case your child is eligible for extra funding for their school from the government, worth £1,300 per year. Those parents whose children already qualify for Free School Meals under the government’s existing offer must also continue to apply for Free School Meals as before.
Are you eligible for Pupil Premium?
Parents in low income families or those that are unemployed can also apply for Pupil Premium funding so that their children can access some discounted educational trips and events throughout their school years or receive a uniform allowance to help pay for the cost of uniform.
The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’.
If you qualify and if you are registered for Pupil Premium you may also get help with the cost of day trips and residential trips. In addition to the above support, you will also receive financial help with the cost of your child's first school uniform.
For every child registered, St John XXIII Catholic Primary School will receive about £1,320 per year. This additional funding allows the school to provide an even better education for your child through the purchase of additional resources or staff to support learning.
Are you eligible?
You can register your child for Free School Meals if you receive any of these benefits:
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Please note you are not eligible if you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit.
How to apply
If you are eligible, your child’s school will be notified.
If you have any problems with applying for this support, please contact our school office.
No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming.