Free School Meals

Did you know that by just registering your child for Free School Meals means that school gets extra money? The government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG).

For every child registered for Free School Meals Castle Park School gets an additional £1,300 per year.

Pupil Premium Grant is used to subsidise residential visits, class educational visits, music lessons and after school clubs as well as other benefits including extra support for your child in class if necessary.

You can register your child for Free School Meals if you get any of these benefits:

  • 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 Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) that as of April 2012 does not exceed £ 16,190. Note: From 1st May 2009 where you are entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four week period immediately after your employment ceases, or after you start to work less than 16 hours per week, your children are entitled to Free School Meals, this may be extended
  • Universal Credit

    • Please click on the link below to see if you qualify.

    If you do, register on the Citizen Portal, using this link and apply online at www.emsonline.cumbria.gov.uk

    Even if your child is eligible for a free meal because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, you still need to apply.

    If you are eligible and do apply, your child does not need to have a school meal to qualify for the benefits of PPG.

    If you are still unsure, please contact the School Office for more details or assistance with the application.