Free School Meals - the Statutory Scheme

School Census Open Day April 2015

Today’s agenda

• Introductions

• Reminder of FSM qualifying criteria and how to apply

• Maximisation what we can do what you can do

• Self service

• Any questions

Introductions

• Jeanne Dentith – Service Manager• Debbie Cross – Education Benefits Officer• Karen Valentine – Education Benefits Officer

Qualifying Criteria

• The Statutory scheme:– Disadvantaged pupils

• Income Support• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance• Guarantee Element of Pension Credit• Child Tax Credit with income £16190 or less (not Working Tax

Credit)• Universal Credit• Working Tax Credit Run On• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

How to apply

• On-line – www.sthelens.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

• With claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction – follow the links from www.sthelens.gov.uk/whatwedo

• Paper claim form

Maximisation – what we can do

• Universal Free School Meals provides a free meal for all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, irrespective of family income and circumstances

• But only those that would qualify for the Statutory Free School Meal will attract the Pupil Premium for the school

• We can use our records…..

Maximisation – what you can do

• Newsletters, contact with parents etc etc

Self Service

• Capita Connect

• Register your details – guidance

• View all current free school meals entitlement, or details of individual children

• Quicker and easier

School Clothing Allowances

• Discretionary scheme • For families that qualify for Statutory Free

School Meals

or Housing Benefit / Council Tax Reduction• £29.50 for infants and juniors, £44 for seniors• Paid annually through the Post Office

Contacting us

• Phone 01744 675216, 01744 675217

• Email educationbenefits@sthelens.gov.uk