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Information about free school meals and help with uniform costs
The council does not currently provide help with the cost of school uniform and PE kit.
If you need help with these costs you should ask your child’s school directly.
Children whose parents receive the following may be entitled to free school meals:
If your child is currently eligible for and getting free school meals (up until 31 March 2023), then they will keep this eligibility until they finish their current phase of education, regardless of any income changes.
This means that if your child is receiving benefit-related free school meals in a primary school, they will keep this eligibility until the end of year 6. If your child is receiving benefit-related free school meals in a secondary school, they will keep this eligibility until they leave secondary education.
From 1 April 2023, the government is expected to set new free school meal guidance. In the meantime, we encourage all families to chat to their child’s school about eligibility.
The Mayor of London is funding universal free school meal provision in London primary schools for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.
This covers:
Private or independent schools are NOT included in the scheme
Children will receive their free school meal under the Mayor’s scheme automatically, However parents and guardians should continue to complete their school or borough’s registration form.
For further information: visit the Mayor of London website.
The government has permanently extended free school meal eligibility to children in all households with NRPF, subject to maximum income thresholds.
These groups include, but may not be limited to children of:
Under the permanent extension of free school meal eligibility to those with NRPF, the annual household income thresholds for those families able to work are:
You must apply direct to your child’s school, they will inform you of the outcome.
For further advice about free school meal entitlement, please contact your child's school or visit GOV.UK.
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