Free School Meals can help families save money while also providing additional funding that supports learning and opportunities for pupils at Cann Bridge School.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for Free School Meals depends on your child's age and your family's circumstances.

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

All children attending a government-funded school in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 are automatically entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals.

However, if your family meets the Free School Meal eligibility criteria, we strongly encourage you to apply. This allows the school to access additional funding through the Pupil Premium, which directly benefits pupils.

Year 3 and Above

Children may be eligible for Free School Meals if their parent or carer receives:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Certain support under the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) criteria

Please note: Families receiving only Working Tax Credit are generally not eligible for Free School Meals.

Does my child have to eat the school meals?

No.

Registering for Free School Meals does not mean your child has to have a school lunch. If you would prefer your child to continue bringing a packed lunch, you should still register if you are eligible. 

By registering, the school may receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium, which helps us provide extra support, resources, and opportunities for pupils.

How do I register?

You only need to register once.

Please apply through your home local authority:

If you need help completing an application, please contact our Family & Learner Support Assistant, who will be happy to support you.

Why is it important to apply?

If your child is eligible and registered for Free School Meals, Cann Bridge School may receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium Grant.

This funding enables us to provide enhanced educational opportunities, specialist support, interventions, resources, and enrichment activities for our learners.

Even if your child does not take up the free meal entitlement, registering can still unlock valuable additional funding for the school.

What is Pupil Premium?

The Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to help pupils reach their full potential, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.

Funding is available for pupils who:

  • Are currently eligible for Free School Meals
  • Have been eligible for Free School Meals at any time during the previous six years
  • Are, or have been, looked after by a local authority
  • Have parents serving in the armed forces

For the 2026/27 financial year, schools receive:

  • £1,550 for each eligible primary-aged pupil
  • £1,100 for each eligible secondary-aged pupil

This additional funding makes a significant contribution to the specialised support and opportunities we can offer at Cann Bridge School.

How do we use Pupil Premium funding?

Examples of support funded through Pupil Premium include:

  • Additional Educational Psychology support
  • Specialist services, including Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and MAST support
  • A Positive Behaviour Support Assistant
  • A Family & Learner Support Assistant
  • Specialist training and professional development for staff
  • Curriculum resources, interventions, and targeted pupil support

Previously Looked After Children (PLAC)

A Previously Looked After Child (PLAC) is a child who was in the care of a local authority or other state care immediately before being:

  • Adopted
  • Made subject to a Special Guardianship Order
  • Made subject to a Child Arrangements Order (previously called a Residence Order)

This also includes children adopted from state care outside England and Wales.

For the 2026/27 financial year, schools receive £2,690 for each eligible Previously Looked After Child.

Please ensure that the school is informed if your child is eligible, so that they can benefit from the support available.

Looked After Children (LAC)

For children currently in care, Pupil Premium Plus funding of £2,690 per year is allocated to the local authority.

A Personal Education Plan (PEP) meeting takes place each term to review the child's progress, educational experiences, and support needs. Funding may be allocated to support specific targets identified through the PEP process.

Service Pupil Premium (SPP)

The Service Pupil Premium (SPP) provides additional funding to support children whose parents serve in the armed forces.

For the 2026/27 financial year, the Service Pupil Premium is worth £360 per eligible pupil.

Cann Bridge School may receive SPP if:

  • A parent is currently serving in the regular armed forces (including full-time reserve service)
  • The pupil has been recorded as a Service Child on a school census within the last six years
  • A parent died while serving in the armed forces and the pupil receives a pension through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or War Pensions Scheme
  • A parent serves in the armed forces of another nation and is stationed in England

Parents and carers should inform the Headteacher if their child is eligible for Service Pupil Premium funding.

Further Information

For more information about how Pupil Premium funding is used at Cann Bridge School, including previous spending and current priorities, please visit our Key Information & Reports page.

We encourage all families to check their eligibility and register if they qualify. A simple application can make a significant difference, both for your child and for the wider school community.