Additional funding for schools and Free School Meals Entitlement 2020/21

28 September 2020

Additional funding for schools and Free School Meals Entitlement 2020/21 

We would urge all families who think they may be eligible for free school meals to apply online now, if they have not already applied

Today we received word that some additional funding will be supplied to schools to help with the restart programme based on our percentage of free school meals. Basically the greater the percentage of free school meals a school has the higher the level of funding which is available for schools.

We are aware that some families who are eligible for free school meals have not yet applied. Families who think they are eligible for free school meals should apply as soon as possible. Families can then choose whether they want to avail of the free school meals service or provide a lunch for their child. 

The application process is still open. See below for details:

Current eligible families Parents/guardians who were in receipt of support for the 2019/2020 school year will receive a pre-populated application form from the Education Authority, which must be completed and returned. Forms had been sent out on the week commencing 6th July 2020.

New applicants - Parents who wish to make a new application are able to apply online via the EA website. See link: https://www.eani.org.uk/node/1075

If you require further information please contact our local Education Authority Meals and Uniform section in Ballymena by telephoning 02825661355 or emailing [email protected] (please note an email seems to work better as the telephone lines are often very busy).

Paper based forms - If you would like a copy of a paper based form to apply for free school meals click on the links below and print them out:

Meals and Uniform app for website 2021.pdf (paper based form)

Meals and Uniform Notes for website 2021.pdf (notes for applying via paper based form).

Please note that an online application seems to be processed faster than a paper based form. If you need any help with applying for free school meals please contact Mrs Taylor on the main school number.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Taylor