According to Policy in Practice, a social policy software and data analytics company, an estimated 470,000 pupils nationally are missing out on Free School Meals (FSM). This equates to £600 million a year in lost pupil premium payments.
It is believed that in Northumberland over 1,000 pupils could be missing out, which is why over the summer Northumberland County Council will be writing to families who are believed to be missing out.
This includes children in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 who may receive a Universal Infant Free School Meal, but if no Free School Meal Eligibility check has been carried out, the School may be missing out on much needed funding.
No action is required from families who receive a letter, an FSM eligibility check will be carried out, if households do not wish for the check to be carried out, they will be able to get in touch with us as detailed in the letter and no eligibility checks will be made.
Further information on Free School Meals is available on the Council website at:
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Education/Schools/Meals.aspx
or by contacting FSM@northumberland.gov.uk ;
or by ringing the Customer Services Team on 0345 600 6400
