Could Your Child Be Eligible for Free School Meals? 

We want to make sure children at NHSB who are eligible for free school meals receive them. We would therefore like to encourage all families to check whether their child may be entitled to Free School Meals (FSM) which is worth £2.66 for each meal. Even if you are unsure, it is worth applying as your child could benefit from a free nutritious meal each school day, and the school may receive additional funding to support learning and wellbeing. Your child does not have to eat a school meal every day. They can bring a packed lunch whenever they like. 

What are the benefits? 

• A free, healthy and nutritious lunch every school day 

• Potential savings of around £400 per child per year on family food costs - a family with 3 children could save £1,200. 

• Access to additional support and services that may be linked to FSM eligibility 

• Additional funding for the school through the Government's Pupil Premium, which helps provide extra educational support and opportunities for students. 

Who may be eligible? 

Children, aged 19 years and under, can get a free school meal if their parent or carer receives one of the following benefits: 

• Universal Credit (as long as household annual net earned income is no more than £7,400 as assessed by earnings from the 3 most recent assessments) 

• Income Support 

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance 

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 

• support under the Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999 

• Pension Credit 

• Child Tax Credit - provided the household is not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and has an annual gross income no more than £16,190 

• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks of no longer qualifying for Working Tax Credit 

How to get free school meals

To register, please use the link below: 

Online Free School Meals https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ 

You will need to make a new application for each child, but your information will be remembered to help you complete multiple applications quickly.  

More information 

If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, we strongly encourage you to apply or contact the school office for assistance. Our team will be happy to support you and answer any questions confidentially. There is a step-by-step guide below to help you. 

How to Apply - Simple Step-by-Step Guide 

Step 1 - Check Your Eligibility 

Review the list of qualifying benefits above and consider whether your family may be entitled. 

Step 2 - Gather Information 

Have the following ready:  

• Parent/carer full name (parent who has applied for benefits) 

• Date of birth 

• National Insurance Number or National Asylum Support Service (NASS) Number (if applicable) 

• Details of qualifying benefits 

• Child's name and school details 

Step 3 - Submit an Application 

Complete Birmingham's online Free School Meals application form by using this link; Apply for Free School Meals 

Step 4 - Await Confirmation 

Eligibility is often confirmed quickly, and you should receive a response to your registered email address after you've completed your application. 

 

If you have any questions or specific concerns, please contact the school at enquiries.nhsb@nishkamschools.org or by telephone 01213487660. 

Thank you for helping us ensure that all children receive the support they are entitled to.