A number of changes in the application process for Free School Meals Entitlement and Uniform Grants will become effective from June 2021.
Even if your child is not currently interested in having school meals, I would urge you to apply for free school meal entitlement if you meet the criteria. Successful applications for Free School Meals Entitlement can impact the funding provided to schools- by claiming your child’s entitlement, you are helping your child’s school.
Current Eligible Families and New Applicants
Parents / carers who are currently in receipt of support for the 2020/21 school year will not be sent a pre-populated form for the 2021/22 school year. All parents/ carers (including new applicants) are required to apply on-line from Monday, 7 June 2021 via the EA website: https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals.
It is recommended that parents/ carers apply during the month of June, or as early as possible, to enable applications to be processed for support to be in place for their children for the new school year. Parents/ carers are being advised of the importance of providing valid Bank or Building Society account details in the claimant’s own name. Payments cannot be made into Post Office accounts.
Special Diet
Parents/ carers whose child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs (Stage 5) and requires a special diet should contact the Meals and Uniform Section for a paper application form if they wish to apply under the special diet criteria.
Free School Meals / Uniform Grants Helpdesk
The Free Schools Meals and Uniform Grants Helpdesk is operated by staff across the EA Free School Meals / Uniform Grants service. It is available to assist parents / carers and schools who may have any queries. The Helpdesk operates Monday – Friday from 9.00am to 4.30pm and can be contacted via email: mealsanduniform@eani.org.uk.
The telephone number which should be used for all enquiries is: (028) 9041 8044.
Further information including eligibility criteria for the 2021-22 school year and a list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist with any parental queries can be accessed by logging onto www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals.
Even if your child is not currently interested in having school meals, I would urge you to apply for free school meal entitlement if you meet the criteria. Successful applications for Free School Meals Entitlement can impact the funding provided to schools- by claiming your child’s entitlement, you are helping your child’s school.
Current Eligible Families and New Applicants
Parents / carers who are currently in receipt of support for the 2020/21 school year will not be sent a pre-populated form for the 2021/22 school year. All parents/ carers (including new applicants) are required to apply on-line from Monday, 7 June 2021 via the EA website: https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals.
It is recommended that parents/ carers apply during the month of June, or as early as possible, to enable applications to be processed for support to be in place for their children for the new school year. Parents/ carers are being advised of the importance of providing valid Bank or Building Society account details in the claimant’s own name. Payments cannot be made into Post Office accounts.
Special Diet
Parents/ carers whose child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs (Stage 5) and requires a special diet should contact the Meals and Uniform Section for a paper application form if they wish to apply under the special diet criteria.
Free School Meals / Uniform Grants Helpdesk
The Free Schools Meals and Uniform Grants Helpdesk is operated by staff across the EA Free School Meals / Uniform Grants service. It is available to assist parents / carers and schools who may have any queries. The Helpdesk operates Monday – Friday from 9.00am to 4.30pm and can be contacted via email: mealsanduniform@eani.org.uk.
The telephone number which should be used for all enquiries is: (028) 9041 8044.
Further information including eligibility criteria for the 2021-22 school year and a list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist with any parental queries can be accessed by logging onto www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals.