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 is added 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.
I need to cancel my entitlement to free school meals?
From 1 April 2018, transitional protection was introduced until the government has rollout Universal Credit for those pupils who might otherwise have lost free school meals following the update to the eligibility criteria.
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling they are in, as of March 2025 (subject to change)
The transitional protections may be awarded as follows:
- Any pupil who is in receipt of free school meals immediately prior to 1 April 2018 will continue to receive free school meals whilst Universal Credit is rolled out. This applies even if they no longer meet the eligibility criteria during that time
- Any pupil who gains eligibility for free school meals after 1 April 2018 will continue to receive free school meals during the Universal Credit rollout period. This applies even if they no longer meet the eligibility criteria at a subsequent point during the rollout period
Once Universal Credit is fully rolled out, any existing pupil who no longer meets the eligibility criteria at that point will continue to receive free school meals until the end of their current phase of education (Year 6 for Primary & 11 for Secondary).
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.
