3-7yrs (No child goes hungry whilst in school initiative)

Since September 2022, all full-time Nursery and Reception children in Carmarthenshire have been offered a Universal Primary Free School Meal (UPFSM). This provision was extended to all Year 1 pupils in January 2023, and to all Year 2 pupils in April 2023. This is an important step in reaching the shared ambition of ensuring no child goes hungry whilst in school.

Following the successful roll-out of the previous phases, Carmarthenshire County Council is pleased to announce that from the start of the new term in September 2023, all Year 3 and 4 pupils will also be offered a UPFSM.

There will be no need to apply for a UPFSM for Year 3 or 4 pupils or new full time Nursery pupils from September 2023.  However, it is imperative that parents and guardians inform the school of any special dietary requirements for their child at the earliest opportunity to ensure that your child’s dietary needs can be met from the first day of term. 

Please ensure that you pre-book via ParentPay.

Year 5 and 6 pupils

Free School Meals are available to children, parents and guardian receiving one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
• Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, but DO NOT receive Working Tax Credit, and their annual income  (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £16,190 unless Working Tax Credit is part of a four week run on.
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit, provided the household has an annualised net earned income of no more than £7,400

Please note:  If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit in addition to any of these benefits you will not be eligible for free meals, even if the household income is below £16,190.

Once Carmarthenshire County Council receive an application, they will aim to process it within 5 working days. You will be notified of the award by e-mail or by letter. 

If you are already claiming free school meals for your child, there is no need to re-apply for each new school year this entitlement will automatically follow your child to the next stage of their education (e.g. in September).  

If your child/ren is moving to a new school e.g. moving from primary to secondary school, the new school will be advised of your entitlement without the need to re-apply, but you will need to notify us of this change. 

If your child/ren transfers to another school within Carmarthenshire at any other time or for any other reason, again entitlement will automatically follow your child, but you will need to notify us of this change. 

You need to let Carmarthenshire County Council know if the child or your circumstances change, for example:

• You start work
• Your benefit changes
• You change address
• You have another child starting school for the first time
• Your child no longer lives with you
• Your child changes school

Failure to notify the council of any changes to your benefit/income may mean you have to pay for any meals taken whilst you were not eligible.