Dear Parents and Carers,

There is new quick and easy way to allow the school to regularly check whether you are entitled to claim free school meals. Children attending a school in York can apply for free school meals if Parents or Carers are receiving certain benefits and we can assist to ensure no one is missing out. We are asking all parents to complete the form regardless of whether you feel you qualify now in order to allow us to regularly check your eligibility, should your circumstances change.
Please note: if you are currently eligible and receiving free school meals, this will not change, however you will still need to complete the form below to ensure we have all necessary information to continue to regularly check your eligibility.

When we process your application we will:
•  Use your details to check your child's eligibility for free school meals by checking information held by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education; this quick online check means we can often confirm eligibility immediately
•  Write to you to inform you of the outcome, if successful

Look at the benefits:
•  A free school meal for your child, which is good for their health and could help their learning
•  Savings for you, worth over £400 a year
•  Extra money for the school through Pupil Premium, worth at least £1300 a year

Free school meal claims
•  We treat all claims in confidence and schools provide the same meals whether they're paid for or provided free
•  Your child doesn't have to take up a meal every day - you can still provide a 'pack up' as and when you want to
•  We'll also transfer your child's entitlement if they move to another school, so you won't need to take any further action
•  It will not affect any other benefits you are claiming

How does it work?
By completing this form you are agreeing that the school will use your information provided to process your claim for free school meals and regularly check your eligibility. Please refer to the school GDPR Privacy Notice on how the data collected is processed compliant with data protection legislation.