Parents in Hull are being encouraged to apply for free school meals for their children.
Parents who receive Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Child Tax Credit are being urged by Hull City Council to check if they are eligible for free school meals.
It is estimated that around 800 pupils in the city could be eligible but are not currently taking up free school meals.
Councillor Peter Clark, portfolio holder for learning, skills and safeguarding children, said: “Some of our schools may be missing out on significant government funding if parents are not registering. It’s important for parents to see if they are eligible, as they could save money for themselves and also ensure vital funds for their child’s school.”
All children in Reception, Years 1 and 2 receive a free healthy, nutritionally balanced school meal, funded by the Department for Education grant. However, where children in these years are registered as being eligible for free school meals the school will benefit from additional funding.
For each pupil that is eligible for a free school meal, the school also benefits from £1,320 for a primary school pupil, or £935 for a secondary school pupil, from the Government’s additional deprivation and Pupil Premium funding.
Some schools offer incentives to families for completing the application process; such as free sweatshirts, uniforms and family activity vouchers.
Parents can apply online here or by speaking to their child’s school.
