Some funding allocated to schools is based on pupils receiving Free School Meal entitlement. This allows us to provide extra support to our pupils. We do think a number of families who should be receiving this benefit are not currently claiming this support. This means they do not receive the help with meals but also means we do not receive all the additional funding we could.
We would encourage you all to apply if you are entitled to do so (see below). Money for free meals is put automatically on to pupils Young Scot cards. The cards can be used to purchase food at lunchtime and a variety of hot and cold food is available. If your child does not have a Young Scot card, or has lost their card, the school office can issue a pin number and give details of how to get a new card. If you think you are entitled please do apply! Help with the form is available through your child’s pupil support teacher.
Help is provided to children from low income families with free school meals and vouchers to help towards buying school clothes. Young people over the age of 16 staying on at school and living on their own may also apply.
You can claim free school lunches for your children if you are receiving:
-
Income Support (IS)
-
Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
-
Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
-
Child Tax Credit (CTC), but not Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £16,105
-
Both maximum Child Tax Credit and maximum Working Tax Credit and your income is under £6,420
-
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
-
Universal Credit
If you are between 16 and 18 years old and receive any of these benefits in your own right, you can claim free school lunches for yourself.
If you match these conditions and do not receive any element of Working Tax Credit you can also claim schoolwear vouchers.
The form for applying can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. You can send the form and supporting evidence by post or by email to: school.grants@edinburgh.gov.uk
Scanned copies of your evidence can be submitted by email.
More information can also be found on the council website page for school grants.