At Riverside Bridge School, we are committed to supporting families and ensuring that all pupils have access to the resources they need to learn, grow and thrive.
Free School Meals provide pupils with a healthy, nutritious meal during the school day while helping families reduce the cost of living. We encourage all eligible families to apply.
Why Free School Meals matter
Access to a nutritious meal can have a positive impact on pupils' health, wellbeing and readiness to learn.
For many of our pupils, consistent routines around food and mealtimes are an important part of the school day. School meals also provide opportunities to develop independence, communication and social skills within a structured and supportive environment.
Registering for Free School Meals may also enable the school to receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium Funding, helping us provide further support, resources and opportunities for pupils.
Who is eligible?
Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive certain benefits or have a low household income.
This may include families receiving:
- Universal Credit (subject to the current income threshold)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (subject to eligibility criteria)
If you are unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to check with the Local Authority or contact the school office for guidance.
Universal Infant Free School Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal through the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals programme.
However, if your family meets the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals, it is still important to apply. This allows the school to access additional funding through the Pupil Premium, which can be used to support your child's education and wider development.
Applying for Free School Meals
Applications are completed through the Local Authority.
Apply by following this link here.
The application process is confidential, and pupils receiving Free School Meals are not identified in any way within school.
If you would like support with the application process, please contact the school office and a member of staff will be happy to help.
Further information
For more information about Free School Meals and how they link to Pupil Premium funding, please visit the DfE website.
At Riverside Bridge School, we want every family to access the support available to them. Free School Meals help ensure that pupils receive a healthy meal each day while enabling additional support to be provided through Pupil Premium funding.