Support for Parents
Extra Support available
We are aware that some families may need additional support at this difficult time.
We are now a Trussel Trust food token e-referral point. If you would benefit from food tokens, please speak to Miss Lambe, Ms van den Broek, Mrs Kraus or contact you child's class teacher or the school office.
Please see further information below for support services that may be useful for parents/carers and families.
Pupil Premium Grant
Pupil Premium is an allocation of funding from the Government that is given separately to the main school budget. The government provide this money to help school address the current national underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers. The funding is to ensure that provision is in place for those children who need it most.
Since the introduction of Universal Free School Meals for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, these children may miss out on this additional funding. We therefore encourage parents to complete a form if they think they may be eligible, even if they do not currently need or wish to claim a free meal.
What is the difference between Pupil Premium and Free School Meals (FSM)?
Pupil Premium Grant: The pupil premium is additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers.
Free School Meals: this is one aspect of support available to families of lower income. Free School Meals is part of the Pupil Premium Grant
How might a child be eligible for FSM or Pupil Premium Funding?
A child may be eligible to receive the Pupil Premium Grant/Free School Meals if the parent receives any of the following Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
the guaranteed element of State 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
Children who get any of the above benefits in their own right (ie they get benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian) can also get the Pupil Premium Grant/Free School Meals.
There is also an allocation for children who are “Looked After”, adopted or children of service personnel.
Children under the compulsory school age who are in full time education may also be able to get Pupil Premium Grant/Free School Meals.
If my child is eligible for Free School Meals, do they have to have school meals?
No. You may continue to send your child into school with a packed lunch from home.
How do I apply for Free School Meals?
If you think that your income is low and you receive any of the benefits listed above then contact Mrs Hamerton in the School Office who will be able to check your status for you.