Free school meals
Many of us will be affected by the current cost of living crisis. We want to ensure families are aware of any support that may be available at this time.
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get certain qualifying benefits.
There are many benefits to free school meals, such as:
- Improving behaviour & concentration
- Introducing healthy eating habits from a young age
- Giving children the nutrition they require
- Access to free activities via the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
- Providing extra funding to the school to support your child’s education
Children approved for free school meals not only receive a healthy meal on every school day, but they also get:
- Access to free holiday clubs (Holiday Activities & Food Programme)
- Extra money for their school towards more teaching support such as CPD for staff, targeted academic support such as interventions and wider strategies to support things like attendance (pupil premium)
- Holiday food vouchers (as long as funding continues)
If you haven’t yet applied for free school meals but think you might be eligible, please complete the confidential online checker:
Apply for free school meals – Dorset Council
If you have any questions, please email freeschoolmeals@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk