Free school meals are provided for children whose families are in receipt of benefits such as universal credit, income support or income based job seeker’s allowance. Families that do not have recourse to public funds may also be eligible.
Checking eligibility
You can check whether you are eligible for free school meals by clicking on the link below:
If you would like any help or advice around this, please contact the Primary or Secondary Office.
How to apply
To get free school meals, you must first make an application.
You can do this in any of the following ways:
1) Filling in a free school meals online application form
2) Apply at a LibraryPlus
You can also make an online claim for free school meals at the following libraries, from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday:
- North Chingford Library: The Green, Chingford, E4 7EN
- Walthamstow Library: High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7JN
- Leyton Library: High Road Leyton, E10 5QH
Leytonstone Library: 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone, London E11 1HG
3) Apply when claiming Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support
You can apply when you claim either of these benefits. Just answer the free school meal questions on the form.
If you would like help in applying for free school meals, please contact Kathleen Smith, Secondary Office Manager, at kathleen.smith@georgemitchellschool.co.uk or visit either School Office.
Why register?
Even if your child prefers to have a packed lunch, or if your child is currently in the primary school and so gets universal free school meals, there are several advantages to registering if you are eligible:
- You will receive vouchers for meals during the holiday
- You will gain access to a range of free places at holiday clubs offered in Waltham Forest
- You will ensure that the school receives extra money from the government, which can be used to improve the quality of education that we are able to provide