Free School Meals and School Uniform Grant

A child is eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives one or more of the following benefits:

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

• younger than the compulsory age for starting school
• in full-time education

Applying for free school meals online 

There is an online service used by Ringwood School to allow you to apply for free school meals. To complete a check you will need the following information:

· Name, home address and email address

· National Insurance Number or National Asylum Support Service reference number

· Child’s name and date of birth

The data you enter on the screen will be used to process your request. Please note that by following the link below to the online free school meals application service, you are leaving Ringwood School’s website. https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/hants/

Applying for free school meals via the school 

If you would like help completing the application form, please contact Reception on 01425 475000.

School Uniform Grant

If your income is such that you are eligible for free school meals, the School offers a voucher to the value of £120 towards uniform purchases per child at two stages in their School life, being on entry to Year 7 and again either Year 9 or 10.  Assistance on this can be sought from Reception.

CAP Debt support

We are pleased to be working with the new Ringwood Christians against Poverty Debt Centre. This is offered to families completely free of charge to people living in BH24 and SP6 postal code areas. Families can refer to this service by calling 0800 328 0006. You can also contact Kevin Jones, Debt Centre Manager – Ringwood. 07508 933008.

School Support Adviser

In partnership with Stronger Together Across Ringwood & Fordingbridge (STARF) we are pleased to introduce our own dedicated School Support Adviser, working with Citizens Advice. 

Martine offers free, friendly, confidential advice to help families feel more in control. Martine can support you with:

• Making the most of your income

• Help with budgeting and managing debt

• Connecting you to extra support for things like jobs, family issues, housing, health, and even local holiday clubs

Contact Martine Frain on 07852 138 807 or martine.frain@canf.uk

STARF Financial Support Worker Referral Form