Free School Meals

Information for Parents

Providing a healthy, nutritious meal during the school day is an important part of your child’s wellbeing and learning. At St Matthew’s CofE Primary School we want to make sure all families who are entitled to Free School Meals know how to apply and benefit from this support.

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free cooked lunch every day under the Government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. You do not need to apply separately for UIFSM — we will allocate this automatically.

Income-Related Free School Meals

Your child may also be eligible for income-related Free School Meals, which can be claimed for Reception through to Year 6 if you receive certain benefits, including but not limited to:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Guaranteed Pension Credit

• Universal Credit (with annual earned income below £7,400)

• Child Tax Credit, where your annual income is below the threshold and you do not receive Working Tax Credit

If your child is eligible for income-related Free School Meals, they will continue to receive them for the current school year even if your circumstances change later.

Why You Should Apply

Even if your child receives a free meal under the UIFSM scheme, applying for income-related Free School Meals can bring extra funding to school called Pupil Premium. This additional funding helps the school provide support such as additional staff, small-group teaching and wider learning opportunities that benefit all pupils.

How to Apply

To apply for Free School Meals, please follow the online application process provided by Bolton Council. You can also contact the school office if you need help completing the form or checking eligibility:

• Bolton Council Free School Meals application: Use the link on our website or visit Bolton Council’s Free School Meals page.

• School office contact:

Kentford Road, Bolton, BL1 2JL
Tel: 01204 333005