How long will my free school meal application take to process?
Applications will usually be processed within three working days of being received. However, we do try to process applications much quicker. In peak periods, such as the start of term, it may take a little longer to process your application.
How will I be informed of the outcome of my application?
The outcome will be sent by email. Please ensure the email section on the application form is completed or a letter of confirmation can be posted, if you do not have access to email.
Do I need to inform the school?
No, the school has access to the list of children who have been awarded with free school meals/pupil premium on a daily basis, to provide meals to the newly entitled children.
My child is transferring schools, what do I need to do?
The school will automatically update their system, to reflect the transfer.
Do I need to apply again when my child goes to secondary school
You do not need to reapply. Children who receive free school meals at primary school will receive the entitlement at secondary school, once the school add your child/ren to the school’s roll.
We have moved into the county and used to receive free school meals where I used to live, do I need to reapply?
Yes, as we need to have a record of your child’s entitlement to inform the school.
I am a foster parent, can I apply for the child?
No, there is an element of funding, within your foster care allowance, towards the cost of meals.
I have applied and been unsuccessful, but I receive Universal Credit?
Free school meals entitlement is based on an income threshold if you receive Universal Credit. To qualify, your take home pay as reported by the employer, as shown on your Universal Credit statement, must show as being below £616.67 in any one month.
I have applied for my child, but I don’t qualify, but my other child I applied for a while ago is entitled?
Due to the Universal Credit rollout transitional protection regulations, I can confirm any pupil eligible free school meals/pupil premium on or after the 1 April 2018 will retain their eligibility until the end of the rollout of Universal Credit (March 2025), regardless of whether circumstances change. Your child/ren you previously applied for, are covered under the protection rules.
Unfortunately, as you no longer match the criteria for FSM/PP, your other child/ren will not be entitled.
Can my child receive free school meals if attending a college?
We only support six-form colleges. Please contact the College as they run their own bursary scheme towards the cost of meals.
Can my free school meals be backdated?
No, free school meals are awarded from the date a claim is made, once eligibility is checked and verified.
Free School Meal Transitional Protection
The benefit related Free School Meal (FSM) protections policy was introduced in 2018. It was introduced to protect those eligible for benefit related FSM from becoming ineligible while Universal Credit (UC) was being rolled out. Any pupil who became eligible for Benefit Related FSM, immediately prior to or after the 1 April 2018, will continue to receive a free meal up until the end of the 2025/26 academic year.
If you would no longer require a free meal for your child/ren, even if your child/ren has transitional protection, please either call us on 01872 324295 or email accessandinfrastructure@cornwall.gov.uk to inform us you would like to cancel your entitlement.
Appeal a free school meals decision
Free school meals is a statutory benefit. The criteria are determined by central government. There is no appeal process. If you feel that your application was incorrectly refused, we are happy to look at it again. We may ask you to provide hard copy evidence of your entitlement. If we can't determine your eligibility, we may recommend that you discuss this with the appropriate agencies. For example, Department for Work and Pensions.
Type of food provided
Schools in Cornwall are responsible for arranging their own school meal provision and they must meet the national nutritional standards. Please contact your child’s school for more details of the food they provide.
We believe that when children eat better, they achieve better. Children are more likely to concentrate in the classroom in the afternoon after eating a healthy school lunch. They should be offered in a pleasant environment. This also improves their health and their learning about making better food choices.