The Government recognises the benefits of providing a healthy meal to students eligible for free school meals and as a Trust we are committed to ensuring that students are able to choose from a range of nutritious options. 

If your child is entitled to a free school meal,  we will provide them a healthy meal that they can have at lunchtime and they can choose one of the following options: -

• Lunch Main Meal of the Day, either option 
• Jacket Potato with topping 
• Hot Sandwich of the Day 
• Hot Pasta Pot of the day 
• Sandwich/wrap (codes AA – C) or Salad or Cold Pasta Pot

In addition to the above, they can also choose one of the following:

• Dessert of the Day 
• Yoghurt 
• Fruit 
• Whites Bakery Item (cookie, muffin etc.) 
• Drink 
• Crisps 

Where pupils are eligible for free school meals and are receiving remote education, the school catering team will provide a good quality lunch parcel in lieu of the above. 

If you child is eligible for free school meals and would like to purchase additional items, please ensure that their ParentPay meal account is in credit. 

If you have any questions regarding catering, please email retcatering@ridgewayeducation.com

Is my child eligible? Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.  If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (secondary school) they are in on 31 March 2025.

How to apply

If you believe you are eligible and haven’t already done so, please complete the Application Free School Meals Form 2024 which will enable us then to run a check to confirm entitlement.

When to apply

You should apply when you first start to receive benefit as claims are not backdated. Your eligibility will be reviewed on occasion. You should notify the school immediately if any changes occur to your benefits.  Please contact Reception for more information by phoning 01235 814444, asking for Mrs Stewart or email reception@st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk.