Free school meals - infants Click to get info
All children in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 in state-funded schools are entitled to free school meals, regardless of whether their families get qualifying benefits or not.
You can now apply online
We’re asking all parents and carers of children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 whose children attend school in Waltham Forest to complete an online universal infant free school meals form .
We’ll then be able to confirm throughout the year whether your child’s school is entitled to pupil premium funding for your child.
You can also print out, and complete the form, and return it to your child's school.
Download the Universal Infant Free School Meals form (691KB PDF).
Free school meals - nursery Click to get info
Children in nursery can only get free school meals if they’re there for the whole day. If your child does mornings or afternoons only, they’re not entitled to free school meals.
Free school meals - older children Click to get info
You’ll be entitled to claim free school meals if your child is aged 16 - 18 and attending a further education funded institution; for example schools with Sixth forms, Academies, Free schools, etc.
If your child is aged 16 - 18 and attends a College or Sixth Form College, you’ll need to apply directly to the College or Sixth Form College.
If your child goes to a school outside of Waltham Forest you should make a claim to that borough.
How to apply Click to get info
You can apply online
If you’re entitled, you will be able to print out proof of entitlement to take to your child's school straightaway.
At a LibraryPlus
You can get help making a claim and drop off evidence at the libraries below Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. We can check if you’re entitled, and if so, we can give you a letter to take to the school.
If we can't decide on your application there and then, we’ll give you a "holding letter" to take to the school. This letter will say that you have made an application but it hasn't yet been decided.
Making an online claim for Free School Meals at:
- North Chingford Library: The Green, Chingford, E4 7EN
- Walthamstow Library: High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7JN
- Leyton Library: High Road Leyton, E10 5QH
Leytonstone Library: 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone, London E11 1HG
When you claim Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support
You can also apply for free school meals when you claim Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support. Just make sure you answer the free school meal questions when filling in the form.
How will I know when my child can have free school meals? Click to get info
After we receive your application, we’ll check if your child is entitled to free school meals and write to you to let you know our decision. If you’re entitled to free school meals, we’ll also tell your child's school. After we receive your application, we’ll check if your child is entitled to free school meals and write to you to let you know our decision. If you’re entitled to free school meals, we’ll also tell your child's school.
What if my circumstances change? Click to get info
You must tell the Benefits Service of any changes that might affect your entitlement.
Some of these are:
- Your tax credit changes
- You start work
- You change address
- Your child changes school
- You stop getting benefits or your benefits change
Use the online form to report a change in your circumstances if you are claiming benefit.
School administrators Click to get info
Administrators in schools can check pupil entitlements to free school meals online.
Help with completing online forms Click to get info
If you don't have access to a computer, you can visit a Library Plus branch where you can use a self-service pc to log your request/report. Staff are available to support you if you need it.
Contact Click to get info
Free School Meals Service
London Borough of Waltham Forest PO Box 856
London
E17 9PN
Telephone: 020 8496 8506/8505
Email: fsm@walthamforest.gov.uk