Don’t miss out on free school meals
Families across Warwickshire are being urged to make sure they aren’t missing out on free school meals for their children.
New research from Warwickshire County Council suggests that more than a thousand children across the county are missing out on free school meals.
Latest figures reveal that although 8.5% of pupils in Warwickshire are entitled to free school meals only 6.8% are taking them.
The drive to increase the uptake of free school meals is part of the county council’s work to ensure children get a nutritious meal to help them make the most of the school day.
As a result, Warwickshire County Council has made it even easier for parents to find out about free school meals by making information available from its Customer Service Centre on 01926 742060. The Centre is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 9pm until 4pm on Saturdays.
Application forms can be downloaded from the website: http://www.warwickshire.co.uk/freemeals, and are also available from schools.
Under the Free School Meals scheme not only do children get free food but their school gets extra income too.
County Caterers, the council’s main catering arm, have introduced new payment methods in some schools which means that those who take a free school meal can remain anonymous. Payment in these schools is made via the internet whilst cashless swipe cards are being introduced in some secondary schools across the county. Again payment can be made for this system is via the internet.
Over the past two years the county council has made a number of improvements to make dining halls a more attractive place to eat and has introduced a number of initiatives to promote its high quality and nutritious food. As always the emphasis is on encouraging children to eat healthily, try new things and have fun at lunchtime.
Cllr John Burton, Cabinet Member for Schools, said: “We want to give our children the best possible chance in life and it’s no secret that eating a balanced meal can help improve concentration and learning at school.
“The County Council wants to make sure everyone makes the most of their entitlement and we are making efforts to make the application process easier for parents or carers who receive certain benefits to claim free meals. There is also no need for children who receive school meals to stand out from the crowd with the introduction of cashless systems in schools.”
Those eligible include parents receiving Income Support and Income-based Job Seekers Allowance. Families who receive Child Tax Credit and an annual taxable income of no more than £15,575 (providing Working Tax Credit is not in payment) also qualify.
Grandparents looking after grandchildren can apply for free school meals if they receive the Minimum Income Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.
Those receiving support under Part VI of Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 also qualify.
Why don’t you call to see if you qualify? More information and forms are available from schools, by visiting http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals or by calling 01926 742060.