Will every child at home due to school closures receive support?

This support focuses on those eligible for benefits-related free school meals and are for term time only.

Will pupils who become newly eligible for free school meals be supported?

Yes. Schools and local authorities should continue to accept free school meal applications. Parents should access  https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20032/schools_and_education/408/free_school_meals who will verify eligibility and award free school meals. The school will then be informed and an updated list provided to them.

What is the eligibility criteria for free school meals?

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get 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

the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.

What about infants that receive a free meal under universal infant free school meals?

There is no requirement to continue to provide universal infant free school meals to pupils in reception, year 1, or year 2 who are unable to attend school. Children in those year groups who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will be supported.

Supermarkets available

The scheme is being supported by the following supermarkets:

Morrisons

Tesco

Sainsbury’s

Asda

Waitrose

M&S

The DfE are currently working to see if additional supermarkets can be added to this list.

Redeeming the vouchers

Once families have received their voucher, they will be able to redeem them in-store at the selected retailer by either:

• presenting the voucher on a smartphone or tablet
• presenting a paper copy of the voucher

Families are free to select the most appropriate food and drink for their child. When selecting products, we encourage families to consider health and nutrition. The School Food Standards may act as a useful guide for families.

The vouchers should not be redeemed for any age-restricted items, such as alcohol, cigarettes or lottery tickets.

There are a number of online resources available to support families in preparing healthy and nutritious food, including on the NHS Eat Well website.