Parents/Carers » Free School Meals
At The Blue we offer an award winning catering service to our students and we encourage all eligible families to apply for free school meals (FSM). As well as the reassurance that an eligible student is receiving a healthy, nutritious meal every school day, FSM eligibility can also open up other avenues of financial support, including waiving of musical instrument tuition fees and consideration for grants under the 16-19 Bursary Scheme.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for FSM is set by the Government:-
If you are in receipt of one of the following support payments you are entitled to receive a Free School Meal for your Child:
• Income Support (IS)
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance – Income Related (ESA-IR)
• Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax credit (CTC), providing you do not also receive Working Tax Credit and have an annual income as assessed by the Inland Revenue that does not exceed £16,190.If you are in receipt of any amount of Working Tax Credit this automatically disqualifies entitlement to Free School Meals.No other benefits or allowances qualify parents/carers to receive Free School Meals for children.
Eligibility has to be verified and at The Blue we use Somerset County Council to do this on our behalf. You do not have to provide proof of receipt of benefits. SCC will run a check on receipt of your application and confirm to you and us at The Blue if you are eligible or not within 5-10 working days. As soon as you have been advised that you are eligible and that your application has been approved, please could you contact Melanie or Dave to ensure that there is no delay in setting your child up to receive FSM.
What is a Free School Meal and when can my child have it?
A free school meal can be flexible based on the plated hot or cold meal menu (main plus pudding) being served that day. Alternatively it can be based around a sandwich/baguette or other snack bought from any servery point and can be eaten at morning long break or lunchtime. Free drinking water is available throughout the day to all students.
How is the FSM allowance given to my child?
Students in receipt of FSM are issued with a SMARTCARD which is exactly the same design and style as issued to all other students (paying for them or not). The FSM SMARTCARD is automatically credited with £2.45 per day. This amount cannot be accumulated with any unspent balance cleared to zero at the end of the school day.
How do I apply?
If you believe you may be eligible and would like to apply for a free school meal for your child please download and complete the application form. Alternatively, contact Melanie Sansom or Dave Peglar in our Finance Office on 01749 836262 who will be happy to help you and/or post a paper copy of the application form to you.
Completed application forms can either be returned to Melanie or Dave at The Finance Office, The Blue School, Kennion Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 2NR or alternatively be sent direct to the Core Data Team, CYPD, Somerset County Council, County Hall, 2nd Floor B/CLink, The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4DY (fax 01823 358272 or email to coredatateam@somerset.gov.uk).