Food is a key part of academy life. Nutritious, well-balanced meals help children stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn, supporting both their wellbeing and academic success.

Universal free school meals (UFSM)

UFSM is an ongoing government initiative which provides a free lunch for all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 (key stage 1). You do not need to prove eligibility – every child in these year groups automatically get a free lunch at school.

This is different from free school meals (FSM), which are available to children whose parents or carers receive certain benefits. If you receive one of the qualifying benefits listed below, it is important to apply for benefits-related FSM. This allows the academy to receive additional funding through the pupil premium. More information about FSM can be found below.

Free school meals (FSM)

We know that having a nutritious meal during the school day is important for children’s health, wellbeing and learning – and we want to ensure that all children who are eligible for free school meals benefit from this scheme.

Your child may be able to receive free school meals if you get any of the following:

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit – your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

If you think that your child(ren) may be entitled to free school meals we encourage you to apply when your child first joins our academy – even if they are already receiving UFSM.

 

How to apply

You can apply online or download a form via the Nottinghamshire County Council website or call on 0300 500 80 80.

Once your application has been approved, the council will inform the academy and we can then start providing free school meals for your child(ren). We treat all recipients with complete discretion.

We are here to help, so contact us if you have any queries or concerns you would like to discuss directly with the academy.

For more details on free school meals and eligibility, please visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, your local food bank can help. To arrange a food voucher for your family, visit Bassetlaw Food Bank(opens in new tab), or for further support contact the academy to talk to someone in confidence.