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School Meals

Delicious, Nutritious Meals Every Day

 

At Sutton CP School, we believe that a healthy, balanced meal is an important part of your child's school day. Our school dinners are freshly prepared and designed to fuel learning, support growth and development, and introduce children to a variety of tasty, nutritious foods.

 

Our School Meals Provider

 

All our school meals are provided by North Yorkshire Catering Services, who are committed to using fresh, quality ingredients and creating menus that children love. Meals are prepared to high nutritional standards and cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements.

 

Cost: £3.40 per meal

 

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

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If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they are entitled to a free school meal every day under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. This means:

  • Your child receives a nutritious hot meal at no cost to you

  • No application is needed – all infant pupils automatically qualify

  • It helps your family budget while ensuring your child eats well

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Please note: Even if your child is eligible for UIFSM, we strongly encourage you to check if you also qualify for Free School Meals (FSM) based on your household income (see below). Registering for FSM brings additional benefits to both your family and our school, including Pupil Premium funding and access to the FEAST holiday activities programme.

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Free School Meals (FSM) – All Year Groups

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From September 2026, free school meals eligibility has changed. The Department for Education has extended the entitlement to free school meals to include all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, regardless of household income.

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Who is eligible?

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A pupil is eligible to receive free school meals if their parent or carer is in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit (all households, regardless of income)

  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit

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Families may also be entitled if they meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds.

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Following the eligibility changes, there are now two types of free school meals:

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1. Targeted Free School Meals

Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less will be eligible for targeted free school meals.

In addition to receiving free meals, pupils eligible for targeted free school meals will attract Pupil Premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools, as well as other education entitlements, such as the FEAST holiday activities and food programme.

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2. Expanded Free School Meals

Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400, will be entitled to expanded free school meals (meals only).

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Benefits of registering for FSM

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For your family:

  • Free school meals worth £3.40 per day (£17 per week, approximately £646 per year)

  • Your child may also be eligible for help with the cost of other resources and activities

  • Access to FEAST holiday activities and food programme (if eligible for targeted FSM)

For our school:

  • We receive Pupil Premium funding (for targeted FSM pupils) which we use to provide additional support, resources and opportunities for our children

  • This funding helps us provide interventions, enrichment activities and pastoral support

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How to apply

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You must apply to receive free school meals – eligibility is not automatic, even if you receive Universal Credit. However, if your child is already registered for free school meals, you do not need to reapply.

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Apply online through North Yorkshire Council free school meals

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You will receive an instant decision on whether your application is successful. If it is, North Yorkshire Council will fully process the application within five working days and notify the school. Once the school has received confirmation, your child can begin enjoying free school meals. You should continue to pay until confirmation comes through.

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Please note: Free school meals claims cannot be backdated. They are awarded from the date the application is received, once eligibility is confirmed.

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All applications are treated in strict confidence. If you need any help with your application, please contact the school office.

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FEAST – Holiday Activities with Food Programme

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Children eligible for targeted free school meals can access a range of holiday activity schemes during the Christmas, Easter and summer school holidays. For more information, visit the FEAST: holiday activities with food programme page.

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