School Meals

School Meals – Food for Thought

We believe that great pupils deserve great food. Healthy, nutritious meals support children’s wellbeing, concentration and learning throughout the school day.

Our school is proud to be a member school of Food for Thought, a not-for-profit school meals provider. Food for Thought is owned by its partner schools, and any surplus is reinvested back into the company or returned to member schools to enhance the quality of meals and food provision. You can find out more about their approach at https://foodforthoughtschools.co.uk/.

Free School Meals

There are two free school meal schemes available to families in England:

• Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

• Income-Related Free School Meals

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day, funded by the Government. This entitlement is provided regardless of household income and does not require a specific application — it is arranged by the school in line with government guidance. UIFSM reflects evidence that children who eat a high-quality school lunch are more likely to engage in learning and make healthy food choices. GOV.UK

This entitlement could save families hundreds of pounds a year per child in infants.

Income-Related Free School Meals

Children in Year 3 and above (and infants where the family meets the criteria) may be entitled to free school meals and milk if their family receives certain qualifying benefits (e.g. Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment Support Allowance, support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit with low household income, or Universal Credit under current criteria). Eligibility depends on benefits, and families should check the latest guidance or contact their local council for details. GOV.UK+1

If you are unsure whether you qualify:

• Liverpool residents can check eligibility using the council’s online tool.

• Knowsley residents will need to complete the local authority form and return it to any One Stop Shop.

Why Applying Matters

Even if your child already receives their universal free meal as an infant, applying for income-related free school meals is important. When a school records eligible pupils, it receives additional government funding known as Pupil Premium to support pupils’ learning, progress and wellbeing.