Sutton Council continues to support children to receive Free School Meals during the winter period

The updated provision follows on from the scheme developed for the October half term, but will support a much wider group of children, young people and families, including: 

• children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 registered to receive free school meals at the school they attend.
• children in Year 3 onwards from low income families receiving benefits (Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support, Child Tax Credits, Universal Credit and some other benefits).
• children aged 2 and receiving the free childcare entitlement.
• children aged 3 and 4 attending an early years setting and receiving the Early Years Pupil Premium.

Parents/carers of children that are registered for free school meals at their school do not need to apply - your school (whether in the London Borough of Sutton or in another Local Authority area) will distribute vouchers to eligible families directly. This will apply for the vast majority of pupils eligible for the voucher.

Further information on how families can apply for this support are detailed on the Sutton Council website. 

Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee said;

‘We know many children, young people and families in the borough are in need of financial support, which is often exacerbated during the winter period. As a Council we are committed to ensuring no child goes hungry and as a result have extended our Free School Meals offer over Christmas and February half term. We are making sure that feeding those children who are most at risk is our priority.’

The Council recognises that not all families fall into this scheme and so we are working with our Partners, Community Action Sutton who are helping those families by providing food parcels. Families can also contact Sutton Food Bank for additional support.

For more information on how the Council is supporting schools and settings respond to COVID-19, please visit our website.