Charlton School

Dear Parents and Carers

Telford & Wrekin Council have anticipated that as a result of COVID, more families will now reach the threshold for Free School Meals. If your circumstances have recently changed you may find that your child is now entitled to free school meals.

When in school, children who receive free school meals are entitled to a daily spend of £2.40. Money is credited to their account each day and they can spend it on whatever they want in the school canteen, in the same way as if a parent or carer had added the funds. All children at Charlton are encouraged to make healthy choices and can take advantage of the hot or cold meal deals which include a main course, snack and a drink for £2.40.

Did you know that children who receive free school meals are also entitled to a number of other benefits, including free music tuition and support with the costs of revision guides?

During lockdown, families of children who are entitled to free school meals will receive vouchers for £15 per week per child, unless their child is still attending school. If you apply before half-term you may still be able to claim a voucher. 

If you are not currently in receipt of Free School Meals and you fall in to one of the categories below, please apply online at: 

https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20028/school_meals/9/free_school_meals/3

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they are in on 31st March 2022.

We know how challenging things are at the moment and are doing everything we can to support our families. If you have any further questions or need support to complete your application, please contact your child’s Pastoral Manager.

Yours sincerely

A Vickers