Free School Meals
As we are all aware budget cuts and rising prices are hitting every section of society and here at The Bolsover School we strive to ensure that our students get the allocation of resources they are entitled to.
All schools receive additional funding from the government for students who could potentially be classed as disadvantaged, with the deciding factor often being based on the number who are eligible for free school meals. As you will understand; any additional funding for schools is always needed in helping the school to provide a full and enriched education for all of its students.
The government is significantly increasing its funding allocation for those students who are eligible for free school meals. However, the funding is only allocated to the school if an application is made by a parent/carer and approved. Therefore, it is vital that parents/carers of students eligible to claim for free school meals do so. The child is NOT then obliged to eat a free school meal and they can, if preferred, maintain their current lunch arrangements. Additionally, if your child is eligible for a free school meal and lives between 3 and 6 miles from school, he/she will also be eligible for free school transport, providing The Bolsover School is amongst the 3 closest secondary schools to your home address.
It should be noted that our cashless meals system does not differentiate between a student who pays for their meals and a student on free school meals. All students use their proximity card to pay for their lunch; with free school meal students receiving a daily “top up” of credit, this way no student can be identified as being on free school meals and therefore remove any stigma or embarrassment.
In light of the current economic climate it is possible that your circumstances may have changed recently and your son or daughter may now be eligible for a free school meal, so please check the criteria below. If you would like further information or assistance with making an application, in confidence, please contact our Student Services Officer on the school telephone number.
Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you receive:-
- 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
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
If you think that your child may be eligible to receive a free school meal, we would encourage you to enquire about this valuable allowance.
School meals have many benefits. They can:-
- Allow children to eat a variety of foods
- Encourage children to try new foods
- Provide the opportunity to eat and socialise with peers
- Inspire healthy eating habits
- Improve concentration and the ability to learn
Derbyshire County Council’s friendly Free School Meals team can be contacted by the following methods:
Email – checking@derbyshire.gov.uk
Phone – Andy 07812 475 250 Monday to Friday (please have your National Insurance number to hand if possible) OR Fiona 07812 475 187 Tuesday to Friday
Online - www.derbyshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
The Free Meals Team at Derbyshire County Council look forward to receiving your calls.
If you have any queries or need further guidance, please contact the school at info@thebolsoverschool.org.uk or by telephone 01246 822105, asking to speak to the Student Services Officer.