Free School Meals

As we’re sure you already know, free school meals bring advantages to children and schools. Children benefit from gaining a free school meal and eligibility for the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme. Both children and schools benefit from pupil premium funding. 

To serve as a reminder, primary schools gain £1455 and secondary schools gain £1035 per eligible child per year (as per funding rates for financial year 2023-24) to help fund effective approaches to raise educational attainment of disadvantaged pupils. 

Therefore, we are asking schools to promote free school meals and encourage families who may be eligible to apply.  

Please see text below that we kindly ask you to share with families. There is a leaflet which has translated versions and an animation you can share too. The Family Information Service regularly share free school meals messaging via X/Twitter and Facebook that your school might also want to share on your platforms.   

Primary school: 

Over 18,000 children in Warwickshire already receive free school meals. 

Families who receive benefits-related financial support, including but not limited to, Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit may be eligible – check here to see if you are eligible to apply. 

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they will automatically be entitled to universal infant free school meals. However, if you do meet the benefits-related free school meals eligibility criteria, then it is advised you apply to receive additional benefits including access to the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme and funding for your child’s school to support their education. 

You can apply online at any time through the Parent Portal. 

If you have any questions or need support with applying for free school meals, please contact the team by emailing freemeals@warwickshire.gov.uk or calling 01926 359189. 

View the website for more information: Apply for free school meals – Warwickshire County Council 

Secondary school: 

Over 18,000 children in Warwickshire already receive free school meals. 

Families who receive financial support, including but not limited to, Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit may be eligible – check here to see if you are eligible to apply. 

Free school meals not only provide your child with a free meal, it also means your child can access the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme and gives your child's school funding to support their education.  

You can apply online at any time through the Parent Portal. 

If you have any questions or need support with applying for free school meals, please contact the team by emailing freemeals@warwickshire.gov.uk or calling 01926 359189. 

View the website for more information: Apply for free school meals – Warwickshire County Council