Free School Meals Vouchers – From Summer 2026

Manchester City Council have agreed to issued Free School Meal Vouchers up to Easter 2027.

These will be issued as follows:

Summer 2026 £50

October 2026 £12 (1 week)

Christmas 2026 £24 (2 weeks)

February 2027 half term £12 (1 week)

Easter 2027 £24 ( 2 weeks)

School Meals

School Meals are served and prepared by our catering team.  A school meal is £2.60 per day or £13.00 per week. Meals must be a paid for a week in advance each Monday morning by SchoolMoney.  Click here to log in to SchoolMoney. If children are absent their meal money is credited for the following week. Alternatively you can now access SchoolMoney directly from parentapps. Click here for information on how to set this up.

Click here for information on how to login to SchoolMoney and how to make payments. If you are unable to use SchoolMoney, you can pay for school meals at any PayPoint shop using a bar code which you can request from the school office.

The office require two weeks’ notice if you wish your child to change from school meals to packed lunches, or from packed lunches to school meals Please complete the form on Parentapps to make any changes. This can be found in the ‘Consent Form’ section, titled ‘Request to Change Meal Type’. Alternatively, please email: admin@claremont.manchester.sch.uk with your request.

The menus change twice a year to reflect the season: wraps and salad in summer and warming dishes in the winter. We meet special dietary requirements. Please contact the school office on 0161 226 2066, or email if your child has any food allergies or dietary requirements.

Free School Meals (FSM) & Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are all entitled to a free school meal (Universal Infant Free School Meals – UIFSM). This scheme was introduced in 2014 by the Government. This does not replace a child’s entitlement to Free School Meals.

Applying for Free School Meals

Click Here if your circumstances have changed and you need to apply for Free School Meals. You will need your NI number to complete the application.

Important Changes on FSM for September 2026

The government is expanding who can get free school meals. Starting from the 2026 to 2027 academic year, there will be two main categories:

Targeted FSM: For families on Universal Credit with an annual income of £7,400 or less. These children also qualify for extra school funding (Pupil Premium) and holiday activity programs.

Expanded FSM: This is a new category. All other families on Universal Credit—regardless of how much they earn—will now be entitled to free school meals for their children.

Who is Eligible?
Your child can receive free school meals if you receive any of the following:

– Universal Credit (all recipients from Sept 2026).

– Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

– Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

– Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

– The guaranteed part of Pension Credit.

– Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Universal Infant Free School Meals: All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 still get free meals automatically, regardless of your income.

Ending of “Transitional Protections”
In the past, if you became eligible for free school meals, you kept them even if your income went up. These protections are ending in July 2026.

From September 2026, schools will re-check eligibility every year.

You must meet the criteria at the time of the check to continue receiving free meals.

Why apply? Even if your child is in Reception to Year 2 (and already gets free meals), registering helps your school get extra “Pupil Premium” funding to support your child’s learning.

Special Circumstances
Nursery Children: Children in school-based nurseries can get free meals if they meet the income criteria and attend both before and after lunch.

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF): Some families who cannot usually claim benefits may still be eligible. Click here to get the form

Dietary Needs/Disabilities: If your child has a disability or medical condition (like a severe allergy) that prevents them from eating standard school meals, the school can make “reasonable adjustments,” such as providing a specialized meal or food vouchers.

What do you need to do now?

Please check your details before the new school year begins. Applications are open right now, and we strongly advise applying as soon as possible.

1. Apply Online: Go to the online checker at https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims/apply or scan the following QR code
   
2. Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, date of birth, and National Insurance number.
3. Automatic Notification: The system will automatically update the school office on whether you fall into the Targeted or Expanded group.
4. Consent Form: Please complete the school consent form so our office staff can manage and review the application on your behalf. Click here to get a copy.

If you need assistance filling out the online form, please bring your mobile phone or benefit letters into the school office.

Milk

Milk is free for all children.