Free School Meals

At Sir William Stanier School, we want every student to feel supported, included and ready to learn. We recognise that the cost of school meals can be an additional pressure for families, and we are committed to ensuring that all eligible students receive the support available to them.

Free School Meals are available to eligible students in every year group. If your family circumstances have changed, or you think your child may be entitled to support, we encourage you to apply. You may be eligible for additional help, even if your child already receives a free school meal through the universal infant scheme.

Important: From 1 September 2026, the Free School Meals scheme has three categories: Universal Infant Free School Meals, Targeted Free School Meals and Expanded Free School Meals. The information below explains the new arrangements.

Need additional support?

We understand that families can sometimes face challenges with the cost of food, household bills and everyday living expenses. At Sir William Stanier School, we want to make sure that families know where they can access help and support.

Visit our Community Support: Food & Financial Help page to find information about local support, food assistance and financial advice.

Who can receive Free School Meals?

Children attending state-funded schools may be eligible for Free School Meals if their parent or carer meets the relevant qualifying criteria.

There are three types of Free School Meals:

1. Universal Infant Free School Meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive Universal Infant Free School Meals.

You do not need to apply for this entitlement.

2. Targeted Free School Meals

Your child may be eligible for Targeted Free School Meals if you receive one or more of the following:

  • Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less.
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit.
  • Support through the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) scheme.

You must apply to receive Targeted Free School Meals.

There are additional benefits to applying. Children who qualify for Targeted Free School Meals may also attract additional funding for their school through Pupil Premium. This funding helps schools provide additional support for children's learning, development and achievement.

Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a universal free school meal, we strongly encourage you to apply if you meet the targeted eligibility criteria. This could secure additional funding to support your child's education.

3. Expanded Free School Meals

Your child may be eligible for Expanded Free School Meals if you receive Universal Credit and your annual household earnings are more than £7,400.

Children who qualify for Expanded Free School Meals receive free school meals but do not attract Pupil Premium funding through this entitlement.

You must apply to receive Expanded Free School Meals.

How to Apply

Applications for Targeted and Expanded Free School Meals should be made directly through the Cheshire East Council Parent Portal.

You will need to register for an account if you do not already have one.

Apply for Free School Meals – Cheshire East Parent Portal

If you are unsure whether your family is eligible, you can contact Cheshire East Council for confidential advice or speak to the school for further guidance.

When will Free School Meals start?

Your child's Free School Meals entitlement will begin from the date Cheshire East Council confirms their eligibility.

Please be aware that the council cannot cover unpaid meal charges from before your application was approved or refund the cost of meals you have already paid for.

We therefore encourage eligible families to apply as soon as possible.

Why is it important to apply for Targeted Free School Meals?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to help improve the educational outcomes of eligible children.

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they will already receive Universal Infant Free School Meals. However, if your family meets the Targeted Free School Meals eligibility criteria, it is still important to complete an application.

This allows the school to receive additional Pupil Premium funding, which can be used to support children's learning, development and opportunities.

To find out more, visit the Government guidance on Pupil Premium funding.

Families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

Some families with No Recourse to Public Funds may also be eligible for Free School Meals, depending on their household income and individual circumstances.

For further information about the eligibility criteria, please visit the Government guidance for families with No Recourse to Public Funds.

If you think your family may qualify, please email Cheshire East Council at freeschoolmeals@cheshireeast.gov.uk to request an application form.

Moving to Cheshire East?

If your child already receives Free School Meals and you move to a school in Cheshire East, their entitlement may continue if they remain eligible.

You will need to submit a new application through the Cheshire East Parent Portal.

If your application indicates that your child is not eligible, contact Cheshire East Council. They may be able to check your child's previous entitlement and transfer it where appropriate.

Children attending schools outside Cheshire East

If you live in Cheshire East but your child attends a school in another local authority area, you must apply through the council where your child's school is located.

You can find the relevant council using the GOV.UK Free School Meals service.

Need help or further information?

We understand that family circumstances can change, and we want to make sure that no student misses out on the support they may be entitled to.

If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, please contact Cheshire East Council directly or speak to a member of our school team. We will be happy to help signpost you to the right support.

If you need support beyond Free School Meals, please also visit our Community Support: Food & Financial Help page, where you can find further information about help available to families in our community.

Cheshire East Council – Free School Meals Team

Telephone: 0300 123 5012
Email: freeschoolmeals@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Online applications: Cheshire East Parent Portal

Postal address:
Free School Meals
Cheshire East Council
PO Box 622
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 9JH

At Sir William Stanier School, we want every student to have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy meal, feel included and make the most of their school day.