1. Free School Meals - the Statutory Scheme School Census Open Day April 2015

2. Today’s agenda Introductions Reminder of FSM qualifying criteria and how to apply Maximisation  what we can do  what you can do Self service Any questions

3. Introductions Jeanne Dentith – Service Manager Debbie Cross – Education Benefits Officer Karen Valentine – Education Benefits Officer

4. Qualifying Criteria The Statutory scheme: –Disadvantaged pupils Income Support Income Based Job Seekers Allowance Income Related Employment and Support Allowance Guarantee Element of Pension Credit Child Tax Credit with income £16190 or less (not Working Tax Credit) Universal Credit Working Tax Credit Run On Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

5. How to apply On-line – www.sthelens.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals With claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction – follow the links from www.sthelens.gov.uk/whatwedo Paper claim form

6. Maximisation – what we can do Universal Free School Meals provides a free meal for all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, irrespective of family income and circumstances But only those that would qualify for the Statutory Free School Meal will attract the Pupil Premium for the school We can use our records…..

7. Maximisation – what you can do Newsletters, contact with parents etc etc

8. Self Service Capita Connect Register your details – guidance View all current free school meals entitlement, or details of individual children Quicker and easier

9. School Clothing Allowances Discretionary scheme For families that qualify for Statutory Free School Meals or Housing Benefit / Council Tax Reduction £29.50 for infants and juniors, £44 for seniors Paid annually through the Post Office

10. Contacting us Phone 01744 675216, 01744 675217 Email educationbenefits@sthelens.gov.uk educationbenefits@sthelens.gov.uk