Universal Free School Meals
All primary school pupils from Reception (including full-time Nursery children) in Blaenau Gwent are now entitled to a Free School Meal every day.
This is being funded by the Welsh Government in response to the rising cost-of-living pressures on families and a shared ambition of tackling child poverty and ensuring no child goes hungry in school. There are also wider benefits of free school meals, including promoting healthy eating across the school, increasing the variety of food learners can eat, improving social skills at mealtimes, as well as improving behaviour and attainment. The policy is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.
There is no registration needed, your child will just need to state whether they require a school meal in registration at the start of the school day.
Even if you receive a Universal Free School Meal for your child, you should still apply for Free School Meals as this may entitle you to other benefits e.g. support with purchasing school uniform. Applying for Free School Meals may also provide your child’s school with access to additional funding that could be used to provide extra support and resources.
Key Stage 2- Key Stage 4:
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit (with an annual income less than £16,190)
- Guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit with net household income of less than £7,400 (£616.67 monthly)
Families who receive Working Tax Credit are not entitled to free school meals.
You can learn more about free school meals on the Welsh Government website.
How to Apply
If you think you may be entitled to a free school meal for your child, please complete an online application below. Even if your child already receives free school meals with the rollout of Universal Primary Free School Meals.
What happens next
We will write to you and let the school know when your child is eligible for free school meals.
Contact Information
Name of Team: Benefits
Email: benefits@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or telephone 01495 311556