Applying for Free School Meals for Universal Infant Free School Meal
Pupils
Q. Why do schools have to apply on behalf of pupils?
A. Whilst all infants will automatically qualify for UIFSM, to obtain Pupil
Premium, pupils will still need to be registered for Free School Meals. It is
clear that once free meals are offered universally there will be challenges in
identifying pupil premium pupils as parents will no longer be incentivised to
apply for free school meals as they will be in automatic receipt of them.
The challenge of identifying Pupil Premium pupils was discussed with Schools
Forum earlier this month and it was concluded that schools would need to
work with parents of the new reception cohort to encourage and support
registration on the Herts Direct Free School Meal Page at
www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals. Forum suggested that HCC should
provide a template leaflet/letter for schools to send to parents to support
registration by schools on behalf of parents. The template is attached to foot
of these FAQ’s.
Schools can still choose to ask parents to apply online as in previous years.
Q. How do I make an application?
A. To make an application visit
http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/canhelp/howtoapply/
Q. Can the Customer Service Centre input the data?
A. It is the responsibility of schools to apply on behalf of parents where they
choose to make applications on behalf of pupils. The CSC check eligibility and
do not make applications.
Q. What information do I need to make an application?
A. HCC has developed a suggested template for schools to obtain the
information needed to apply that has been refined following feedback from
schools. The DfE has developed a very similar form that David Laws has
emailed to all Headteachers. Both forms have been developed with the
intention that all parents will be asked to complete it as part of the normal
school enrolment process, regardless of their level of income.
The form is attached to these FAQ’s as Appendix 1.
Q. I used the original form and did not ask parents whether they are in
receipt of working tax credit, what should I do?
Parents that receive child tax credit but also receive working tax credit are not
eligible for Free School Meals. In order to process applications for parents in
receipt of child tax credit, schools will need to establish whether they are also
in receipt of working tax credit. Clearly schools should seek to do this in a
manner that is as un-invasive as possible.
Q. Who qualifies for Free School Meals?
A. The table below shows what financial help parents can get depending on
benefits received:
Q. A pupil does not live in Hertfordshire, but does qualify for FSM, what
should I do?
You can apply for free school meals and the PPG, but you should advise
the child’s parents to contact the local authority where they live to apply for
any other benefits it offers, which may be different to those available from
Hertfordshire.
Q. Do we need to renew applications next year?
Schools will not need to renew an application as long as a pupil remains
eligible and PPG will continue be received as the child will qualify as an
Ever6. HCC automatically check all applications for continuing eligibility at
the end of each academic year, and will inform parents if they need to
reapply.
Appendix 1Suggested template
Dear Parent/Carer,
In addition to school funding received from Hertfordshire County Council/ the
Education Funding Agency (insert name of school), is able to claim a £1300
grant from Government each year called the Pupil Premium for children
whose parents or carers receive any of the benefits below:




Income Support
Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element) or (Income Related)
Employment Support Allowance
Child Tax Credit
We are asking all parents and carers of reception children to complete the slip
below and return to the office by xx/xx/xx in order that we can register the
details provided and access the grant.
If you are in receipt of qualifying benefits your information will be renewed
each year meaning that unless your circumstances change entitlement to free
school meals from Year 3 and other educational benefits will be automatically
registered.
The information you supply will be treated confidentially and destroyed once
processed.
Name of Child ___________________________
Class __________________________________
I am or my partner is in receipt of the following benefits: (please tick)
Income Support 
Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance 
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element) 
(Income Related) Employment Support Allowance 
Child Tax Credit with income below £16,190 
Working Tax Credit1 
Name and Date of Birth of person receiving the benefit:
_____________________________________________________________
1
Please note that if you receive both child tax credit and working tax credit we will not be able
to claim the Pupil Premium Grant.
National Insurance Number:
_____________________________________________________________
OR
Asylum Seekers Number:
_____________________________________________________________
I give permission for (name of school) to register my details 
Signed