Paying for school meals

Primary, First, Middle and Special Schools

All children in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 are eligible for Universal Infant Free School Meals.

Unless you are eligible for benefit-based free school meals you will need to pay for school lunches from the start of Year 3.

School meals are great value at only £2.60 a day.

School meals should be paid for:

  • online using the school parent pay app
  • before they are taken
  • preferable a week in advance

Paying online means that you can do this at a time that’s convenient for you.

About free school meals

You’re eligible for free school meals if you receive any of the following benefits:

  • 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 – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.

Applications can be taken over the telephone by calling

(0191) 643 2288 .

All children in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 are eligible for Universal Infant Free School Meals, but you must complete an application form to register. If you do not complete a free meal application form you will have to pay for meals from Year 3.

Restricted Diets

Your child’s required diet needn’t prevent them from enjoying a healthy and tasty school lunch with their friends.

We:

  • can provide tailored school lunches for children with particular dietary requirements or medically prescribed diets
  • currently produce over 300 special diets each day
  • work closely with dietitians and parents to meet children’s specific needs, including gluten, milk, egg and legume free meals