Bolton Council has a duty to provide free schools meals, which comply with national nutritional standards, to eligible pupils.
Is my child eligible?
Your child may be eligible for free schools meals if you or your partner receives one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit and not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by the HM Revenues and Customs, that from 6 April 2011 does not exceed £16,190
- Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Eligible children are normally children who attend full time school (not private schools) and are aged between 3 and 16.
Nursery children must attend a state nursery and be receiving attending all day free education. For more information or to find out if your child qualifies contact us on 01204 331590.
Children aged 16 to 19 attending a maintained 6th form attached to a secondary school are eligible for a free school meal.
Maintained 6th forms are:
Westhoughton
Kearsley Academy
Turton
Thornleigh
Canon Slade
Firwood and Runworth
Rivington and Blackrod
St Catherines Academy
How do I apply?
You or your representative can apply in person, by telephone or by email (see contact details for more information).
You need to provide an up to date document showing that you are getting one of the above benefits or support. If you do not have any proof please contact us for advice.
You do not need to make a separate claim for free school meals if you are already in receipt or have applied for Housing Benefit / Council Tax Benefit. We will use the information and evidence you have already provided to confirm your entitlement to free school meals.
What if I don’t want to claim free school meals?
If you don't want your child to have free school meals then you do not have to accept them.
However, our records will still show that you are eligible to claim free school meals if you decide to change your mind.
Telephone us if you do not want to take up these free school meals.
What if I don't live in Bolton but my child attends school in Bolton?
You must claim free school meals from the Local Authority for the area you and your children live in e.g. if you live in Wigan and your child goes to school in Bolton, then free school meals should be claimed from the Local Authority for Wigan.