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 pay for 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 HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
  • Working Tax Credit ‘run on’ – the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

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

    If you do, download an application form, using this link and return it to the School Office or apply online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/doitonline/applyforit.asp

    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 completing the forms.