Universal Infant Free School Meals
What does it mean? It means great news for you and your child:
Since September 2014 all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England have been entitled to receive free school meals. The government made this decision after a recommendation in the School Food Plan. This is a great opportunity and has fantastic benefits for our children, parents and the school.
You benefit:
- Saves you time – we are all busy and making packed lunches every day can be time consuming
- Saves you money - Did you know, according to a recent survey by School Health UK, the average price of a packed lunch is now £4 per day, compared to just over £2 per day for a school dinner? That's a saving that adds up!
- Promotes a varied and healthy diet - The Meads will encourage children to try different food – main meals and desserts which include at least 2 of their 5 a day.
Your child benefits:
- From varied menu options which gives the children the freedom to choose their lunch from 2 to 3 options available including a vegetarian and a Halal choice.
- Your child will enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal that will help with their education and development.
- Our menus use quality ingredients and include fresh seasonal produce.
At The Meads we aim to positively influence the diet of our children by always thinking about where the food we put on their plates comes from and how it was produced. We care about the food your child eats at lunchtime and are always looking to improve the quality of ingredients and the content of our menus. The children are involved in reviewing the menu and participate in taster sessions with our catering provider.
Whilst we are always seeking to introduce new dishes, we recognise that the traditional roast dinner remains a favourite with children and this is still served once a week.
Free School Meals
If you think you might be eligible for Free School Meals under the standard benefit criteria (this applies to ALL Year Groups) we strongly suggest that you make an application.
The government gives schools additional funding called “Pupil Premium” for every pupil who successfully registers, so your application will benefit your child and their classmates.
If you meet the qualifying criteria as detailed below you can complete an online claim form by visiting the Luton Borough Council website. If you are unable to complete an online claim please speak to the school office who will be able to provide a Pupil Premium Claim Form.
Free School Meals/Pupil Premium eligibility criteria:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s 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’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
