We want to make sure that we are providing your child with the best education and support we can, so we want to encourage you to apply for free school meals for your child if you are eligible for this scheme.
Registering for free school meals will also raise extra money for the school to spend on providing a great education for pupils. The school will receive up to £1,480 per year if your child is in year 6 or younger.
Although all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 qualify to receive a free school meal, it is still important that you apply for Pupil Premium if you think you may be eligible.

Who can receive free school meals?

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive 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; this is as long as you're not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income is no more than £16,190

• Working Tax Credit 'run-on' payment (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

• Universal Credit: this is as long as your household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

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

Transitional protection means that children who were approved for free school meals before 1 April 2025 will remain eligible until they finish the school phase they were in on that date eg: First School even if the family’s circumstances have changed.

Children approved from 1 April 2025 onwards will not have protected eligibility. Annual checks will be undertaken by Dorset Council each Summer to re-check eligibility.

If you have any queries, please contact freeschoolmeals@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

When you complete an online application school staff don’t see any specific information about your income or the
benefits you receive.

Apply for free school meals

To apply for free school meals for your child, please click on the link below. https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/initiolearning You will need your National Insurance number or Asylum Seekers Service number so we can make automated checks to confirm your entitlement.

We will let you know straight away if you qualify for free school meals and send you a confirmation email.

At Witchampton First School, your child could benefit from things such as financial assistance towards uniform costs, attending after school clubs and free milk.

If you need any help in completing the form, please contact the school office 01258 840684 and we can assist or complete the form on your behalf.