Families across Haringey are being urged to apply for Free School Meals (FSMs) as a new campaign has been launched by the council and the borough’s network of schools to ensure our young people receive the best possible education.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has pledged to pay for FSMs for every primary school child in London for the 2023-24 academic year as a one-off, emergency intervention measure.
However, Haringey families are still being encouraged to apply so schools can unlock the Pupil Premium funding of £1,455 per pupil for this provision and support.
By applying for FSMs, you will be helping your child’s school pay for some essential items and enrichment activities and alleviate the strain on their budget in a cost of living crisis amid high energy and food costs.
Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Cllr Zena Brabazon, said:
The universal Free School Meals offer is great news for all families in Haringey.
At a time when families across the country are struggling to pay for their bills, we need to ensure that every measure is put in place to support our residents.
If you are on a qualifying benefit, we still need you to complete a Free School Meals application form. Your child’s school will receive up to £1,455 per pupil per year in extra funding through the Pupil Premium.
This support can be crucial in helping to ensure families can provide for their children and ensure this has no impact on their education.
Maria Kokotsis, the headteacher at Lea Valley Primary School, said:
When parents and families apply for Free School Meals, the schools get additional funding and that’s called the Pupil Premium funding.
High-quality teaching is crucial for our children and that valuable funding can help to support this with resources and skills to educate Haringey’s future superstars. Free School Meals – fuel their minds, feed their futures!
Hear from Lea Valley Primary School pupils and staff on the importance of Free School Meals in our campaign launch video below.
Some Haringey schools manage their own Free School Meal provision. Therefore, if your child’s school is on this list, please contact your child’s school directly to apply for Free School Meals.
If your child’s school is not on the list, please complete a Free School Meals application form today and we’ll help manage the process for you.
If your child is/children are eligible for Free School Meals, they may also be entitled to receive a School Clothing Grant of £60 to help cover the costs of school uniform/s and/or shoes.
Please continue to claim for what you, your child and your child’s school are rightfully entitled to receive.
For further information, please see our Free School Meals and School Clothing Grant pages.
