Who said you can't have a Free Lunch?

Infants

From September 2014 all children in reception and years one and two will be entitled to free lunches as part of the Governments new Universal Infant Free School Meal policy.

Your child could get free lunches or milk at school. Schools must provide free lunches for eligible pupils, paid-for meals where requested and good facilities and supervision so pupils can eat safely.

Eligibility

Parents do not have to pay for school lunches if they receive any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act
• Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of less than £16,190
• Working Tax Credit "run-on"
• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Their child has a statement of special educational needs

Children who receive Income Support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance in their own right qualify as well.

Applying
You can get more details on how to apply for free school lunches from the education and library board for the area in which you live. You can also find out more on the Education Support website. http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/nutrition-and-school-lunches

Please contact your school office if you think this applies to you.