Cherry Oak School
Working Together for Success
Cherry Oak School
Working Together for Success
Update - Government free school meal voucher scheme
You have probably heard that the government has promised that all children who are eligible for a free school meal when they are in school will be receiving vouchers to support parents with buying their food. We are still waiting on the official government scheme to come into operation. We know that some schools have already started using different systems to give parents vouchers. However, we feel the best thing for our families is to ensure we use the official scheme so that we don't cause you any unnecessary stress or problems at this difficult time. By using the scheme you will have more flexibility on where the vouchers can be spent. Please be patient whilst we wait on official guidance to ensure you get what you are entitled to in the most efficient way.
The vouchers will only be given to children who are entitled to free school meals because their family circumstances mean they meet the eligibility criteria. All children in Early Years and Key Stage one receive a 'Universal Infant Free School Meal' no matter what their circumstances. This is not the same thing as 'Free School Meals' and will not result in you receiving vouchers unless you meet the eligibility criteria.
The government scheme for vouchers will be using the information that we provided in the last census in January 2020. Only children whose family had provided school with proof of their eligibility for free school meals were recorded as been entitled to a free school meal. Unfortunately if you had not provided that evidence to school or did not meet the eligibility criteria then you child will not have been recorded as being entitled to free school meals.
Please look at this document if you are unsure whether your child is eligible for free school meals:
We will let you know when the scheme is ready and how you will be receiving the vouchers.
Amy Findlay Head of School