Swindon parents asked to check whether children entitled to free school meals

The availability of free school meals is being highlighted by Swindon Borough Council.

All children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to universal free school meals (UFSM).
However, parents of children from Year 3 onwards can apply for benefits-related free school meals if they or their child receive:
- Income support
- Income-based Job Seekers 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 are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your household annual income is less than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit (provided your household annual income is less than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get
A council spokesperson said: "This will help your child to get a free, healthy meal during school, saving you money on buying a lunch or making a packed lunch.
"Your child’s school will also get extra funding from Central Government, which will be used to buy additional resources to benefit pupils."
Further information can be found here.