Wiltshire Council: could your child benefit from school meals?

Wiltshire Council is asking families to apply for free school meals under the government's scheme to help with a child's education. 

The scheme which sees schools being funded an extra £623 per year will give children who are eligible for the benefit free school meals. 

In 2014 the funding will increase by £900 and Wiltshire Council urges those who need the support to apply.

According to reports, Wiltshire Council believe some families are reluctant to apply for free school meals for their children because they are worried children could be 'singled out'.

However, strategies have been put in place by schools to ensure the identities of those receiving free meals are not uncovered. 

Cabinet member for children services, Lionel Grundy said: "Parents need to know that just by registering their child; it guarantees their school an additional £623 a year for each child registered."

"That could fund such things as extra personal tuition in Maths and English, additional in-class support, resources such as laptops and extra books."

Families who think they are eligible for the child to receive free school meals can apply using an application form presented on the Wiltshire Council website here or apply at County Hall, Trowbridge.

Applications for free school meals must be submitted in early January for a child to be entitled to the next pupil premium funding.

"Pupil premium funding is set in January so we really need parents to register now in the knowledge this will be treated in the strictest confidence and they are helping their school gain additional funding to support their child's learning," Lionel Grundy added.

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