Free School Meals and Pupil Premium 

At St Richard’s Catholic Primary School, we want every child to have access to a healthy, nutritious meal during the school day. Free School Meals can provide valuable support for families and may also enable the school to access additional funding to support children's learning, wellbeing and wider opportunities. 

Universal Infant Free School Meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically entitled to a free school meal through the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. Families do not need to apply for this entitlement. 

Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from September 2026

From 1st September 2026, all children living in a household that receives Universal Credit are entitled to Free School Meals.

There are two types of benefits-related Free School Meals:

Targeted Free School Meals

Children may qualify for Targeted Free School Meals if their household receives Universal Credit and has an annual income of £7,400 or less. Children receiving Targeted Free School Meals can also:

• Help the school receive additional Pupil Premium funding.
• Access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme during school holidays. 

Expanded Free School Meals

Children whose household receives Universal Credit but does not meet the criteria for Targeted Free School Meals may qualify for Expanded Free School Meals. These pupils are entitled to free school meals but do not receive the additional benefits linked to Targeted Free School Meals. 

Other Qualifying Benefits

Targeted Free School Meals may also be available where a child or parent receives:

• Universal Credit
• 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 State Pension Credit.

Pupil Premium

If your child is eligible for Targeted Free School Meals, St Richard’s may receive additional government funding through the Pupil Premium Grant. This funding is used to help eligible pupils achieve their full potential by providing additional support, resources and enrichment opportunities. 

At St Richard’s, Pupil Premium funding helps us to:

• Provide targeted academic support and intervention.
• Enhance children's wellbeing and emotional support.
• Increase access to enrichment activities, educational visits and wider opportunities.
• Support attendance and engagement in school.
• Ensure all pupils can flourish regardless of their circumstances.

Why Register?

Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a free meal through Universal Infant Free School Meals, it is important to apply if you think you may be eligible for Targeted Free School Meals.

By registering, you could help secure additional funding that directly benefits your child and other pupils across the school. 

How to Apply

Applications are made directly through West Sussex County Council and the process is quick, simple and confidential. 

Need Help?

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, or would like support with an application, please contact the school office. We will be happy to help and all enquiries will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

For full details on eligibility, applications, Pupil Premium funding and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, please visit the West Sussex County Council Free School Meals webpage.