Every child in Infant School (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) is entitled to a free school meal every day.

Derbyshire County Council provide ours. They are cooked on site by the amazing catering team.

Children are supported at lunchtime by the catering team, the midday supervisors and school staff.

We always let you know if your child eats less than half of their meal.

Children can bring their own packed lunch but we ask that it is healthy and balanced and that the bag is named.

There are links below to the current menu and to a slide presentation that the catering team have created to give families extra information.

EVERY CHILD IN INFANT SCHOOL IS ENTITLED TO A FREE MEAL EVERY DAY.

This is regardless of your circumstances.

However, those who are are in receipt of certain benefits have been able, during the pandemic, to claim support with lunch vouchers. When your child goes into Year 3 you may be eligible to claim for free meals. If you are eligible then we get financial support for teaching and learning (pupil premium).

This is why, even though your child gets a free meal in infants, it is important to check your eligibility.

This is usually automatic, but sometimes you may be asked to check.

Are you entitled to 'Free School Meals'?

Free School Meal Checking Service

The Covid 19 pandemic has seen some families personal circumstances change dramatically. Many have lost income and some families may now be eligible for Free School Meals, but are unsure if they are entitled or how to apply.

If you would like to check whether you are now entitled to Free School Meals, the preferred method of checking is by emailing checking@derbyshire.gov.uk

Families can also apply online at https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/your-child-at-school/meals/school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx

If you are found to be eligible, you will receive supermarket vouchers during the school closure (if your child is not in school) and Government guidelines state that you will remain eligible until March 2022, so it is really worth checking.

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• 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)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

• younger than the compulsory age for starting school
• in full-time education

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

Please note you will have to be in receipt of one of the criteria and not on the process of starting a claim for it to show on the HMRC database and enable DCC FSM department to confirm your eligibility.