We want to make sure that we are providing your child with the best education and support we can.   

All Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a Universal Free School Meal (often referred to as UFSM). 

However, if you are in receipt of certain benefits, you may be entitled to Free School Meals (FSM).  Once you are in receipt of benefits related to Free School Meals, the school will receive additional funding (Pupil Premium) to help and support them through their education. The school will also receive extra support to deliver a fully inclusive and accessible education for all of our pupils.

You can apply for Free School Meals at any time while your child is at Broadwater C of E Primary. 

 

Update to free school meals guidance from the 1^st of April 2025

From the 1^st of April 2025, the Government's transitional protection arrangements for means tested Free School Meals (FSM) ended.  Any eligible claims confirmed from this date will no longer be protected for the length of their current phase of education. This means that any child confirmed as eligible for free school meals from the 1^st of April 2025 will be subject to ongoing checks to confirm their continued eligibility.

This will not impact any children who are already confirmed as eligible.
Those already confirmed as eligible will maintain their eligibility until the end of their current phase of education. At that point, they will be re-assessed for their eligibility status. This will apply to all year 6 moving into year 7 in September 2025.
These children will then be subject to ongoing checks to confirm continued eligibility.

 

How can Pupil Premium funding help my child?

Pupil Premium funding is used at the school's discretion to support children.  Each situation is assessed individually, but examples of the support available are listed on the Pupil Premium Statement. 

Is my child eligible?

From 1 April 2018, free school meals in all West Sussex maintained and free schools and academies are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
• Income Support
• 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
• Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

If you are eligible for benefits-related free school meals in accordance with the above criteria, and your child is also receiving Universal Free School Meals, please still apply. This will enable your child's school to claim valuable 'pupil premium' funding.

If either parent works within the armed forces or if a child is looked after from care they may also be eligible for benefits. Documentation will need to be provided in these instances.

How do I apply?

You can apply for Free School Meals online via West Sussex County Council. You will need to complete a simple form and then await the response. To apply for Free School Meals, please click the link:

If your child comes under and of the categories below you might also be entitled to Pupil Premium support:

• Children of those employed in the Armed Services
• Children adopted from care

 

Please note:  All Early Years, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a Universal Free School Meal (often referred to as UFSM).  This only applies to lunch provision.  If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you should still apply for FSM.