Processing free school meals applications

This is a service for academies. The free school meals service provides reassurance that schools are meeting their statutory responsibilities under regulatory guidelines.

Service description

• Prompt and efficient checking of all free school meal applications to establish eligibility.
• Checking of ALL KS1 pupils registering for free school meals to assess eligibility for Pupil Premium.
• Online application service allowing instant delivery of applications and therefore quicker checking and faster access to entitlement.
• Following up queries with the relevant government department and, if necessary with the parent. Advice and guidance provided to support parents and schools.
• Checks as required to ensure continuing eligibility, allowing for temporary qualification and changes in applicants circumstances. Confidentiality of personal information is assured.
• Our systems and processes check against data from the DWP, Home Office, and HMRC.
• Provision of an up to date list of pupils entitled to free school meals shortly after each census date and as required between census dates.
• All of our staff receive training on Data Protection responsibilities, and we apply the Caldicott principles of data management when handling school data.
• Support with queries, issue resolution, and updates as required.

Benefits to your school

• Unlimited access to expertise relating to all aspects of free school meals eligibility.
• Maximisation of free school meals take up.
• Advice and guidance to parents and schools.
• Reduced demand on school resources leaving staff free of a considerable administrative task to focus on your primary role.
• Accuracy in accessing funding for your school, ensuring your school is able to maximise funding for every eligible pupil.
• Full compliance with the Data Protection Act.