Applying For Free School Meals
Please use the online derbyshire application form available on this page
Why Apply?
A lot of people do not apply for free school meals. At Parkside, we encourage all families to apply regardless of whether they believe they may be eligible or not.
You do not need to worry about other children knowing your child gets free school meals. In secondary schools, only the school and the catering staff will know.
You could potentially save £400 a year for each eligible child and your children could benefit from a good, hot meal at lunchtime.
About the Application Process
We use the Department for Education's free school meals eligibility checking system, meaning you will receive an instant result notification, and the school will be informed.
To apply, you will be required to register and provide:
- your National Insurance Number or National Asylum Support Service Reference Number
- your family name
- your date of birth
- you may also be required to upload a copy of your benefit document
Currently all children entitled to free school meals will receive them until they finish either primary or secondary education. This continues even if your income increases. This is called transitional protection.
Access to this protection will end from 1 April 2025 so if you apply after then, and your earnings go above £7,400 net per annum (£616.67 per month), your child will no longer be eligible for free school meals. You will need to apply for them again if your income goes down.
Even if your child receives universal infant free school meals at the moment it is still worth checking before 1 April 2025 if you qualify and can benefit from the income protection
If you'd like any further support, please contact the free school meals team, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone: 01629 536481.