Free School Meals (FSM)
All children attending Infant School are entitled to Universal Free School Meals by default even without a Free School Meal application, however, this is not the case for junior school and we remind parents that, without a successful application, you will be charged for each school meal your child takes from September.
Being eligible for Free School Meals does not commit you to having a meal everyday – your child could still bring a lunch box – however being eligible can bring in additional funding that can support your child in other ways.
The FSM program offers significant benefits not only for your child and family but also for our entire school community. Your child mayl also be able to benefit form a free childcare place in our holiday club provision - look out for the ParentMail offers across the year for clubs running during school breaks. Here are some other key advantages:
Benefits for Your Child and Family:
1. Nutritious Meals: Ensuring your child has access to healthy, balanced meals each school day is crucial for their growth, development, and academic performance. Studies have shown that children who eat nutritious meals are better able to focus and perform well in their studies.
2. Financial Relief: For families facing financial challenges, the FSM program can provide much-needed assistance. By covering the cost of school meals, you can allocate your resources to other essential needs.
3. Convenience: Participating in the FSM program means one less thing to worry about each morning. Knowing that your child will receive a wholesome meal at school can bring peace of mind and simplify your daily routine.
Benefits for Our School:
1. Increased Funding: Schools receive additional funding based on the number of students enrolled in the FSM program. This funding is used to enhance educational programs, provide more resources, and improve facilities, directly benefiting all students.
2. Support for Educational Initiatives: With increased funding, our school can invest in new technology, extracurricular activities, and other initiatives that enrich the learning experience for every student.
3. Community Strength: When more families participate in the FSM program, it strengthens our sense of community and ensures that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
How to Apply:
Applying for the FSM program is simple, confidential, and can be done online. Please visit https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/southampton/apply to make your application which will take around 2 minutes to complete. If you prefer, paper applications are also available at the school office. Our staff are more than happy to assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have. Please email finance@ludlowjunior.org.uk initially with any questions you may have.