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Free school meals automatic enrolment

We know some children in Middlesbrough who are eligible for free school meals are not getting them.

If eligible children are automatically signed up for free school meals, no one will miss out. We're running a pilot project to see how well this works.

We're comparing information about families who get Council Tax Reduction to information from schools about their pupils. This is called a 'data-matching exercise'. It will help us see which children are eligible for free school meals.

If we think your child is eligible for free school meals and is not getting them, we'll write to you.

The letter will explain that we'd like to automatically enrol (sign up) your child for free school meals. We call them 'income-related free school meals' in the letter. This is because they're related to which benefits you're getting.

I'm happy for my child to be automatically enrolled

We'll apply for free school meals on behalf of your child. You do not need to do anything. Your child's school will let you know when it's done.

I do not want my child to be automatically enrolled

You can opt out by emailing fsm@middlesbrough.gov.uk, calling 01642 726541, or writing to: PO Box 500, Middlesbrough, TS1 9FT. Your letter will explain more about what you need to do.

You only need to contact us if we've sent you a letter.

Frequently asked questions

My child already gets free school meals. Why have I been sent a letter?

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Children in Key Stage 1 (nursery to Year 2) automatically get free school meals. These are called 'universal infant free school meals'. All children get them, no matter which benefits their family gets.

'Income-related free school meals' are different. Children can only get them if their family is getting certain benefits. When a child is getting income-related free school meals, their school can get extra money to help support that child. We'd like to sign your child up for income-related free school meals.

How does this help my child?

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Your child can get a healthy, hot meal at school every day. It will also save you around £400 per year on the cost of lunches.

Schools get extra money from the government for every child entitled to free school meals. This money can help support your child's education.

What if I'd rather give my child a packed lunch?

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Your child does not need to have a school meal if you do not want them to.

But we'd recommend that your child is signed up for free school meals anyway, so their school gets extra money to support them.

I live in Middlesbrough but my child goes to school outside the area. Does this apply to me?

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Unfortunately this does not apply to schools outside the area, even if pupils live in Middlesbrough.

If you want to apply for free school meals for your child, you'll need to contact the council for the area where the school is. Use the school's postcode to find the council for that area.

What will you do with my data?

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Our free school meals privacy notice explains how we collect, store, and use your data when providing free school meals.