School Meals and Free School Meals

Utilising the freshest ingredients and crafting dishes that could easily grace a restaurant menu, school meals have never tasted better! With a talented onsite team preparing and cooking lunch each day, our pupils are treated to a selection of delicious, fresh, and nutritious options. Healthy eating is integral to the children's education and daily school routine; a well-balanced lunch helps sustain their motivation and concentration for learning. Pupils can choose from three main courses, accompanied by a variety of vegetables or a side salad, along with two dessert choices and fresh fruit options. The menu is regularly updated, encouraging children to explore new flavours and become more adventurous with their food. The team's efficient system allows pupils to select their meals at the start of the day, ensuring everything is ready on time. Lunchtimes are pleasant and calm, facilitated by skilled staff, with two sittings: the first for younger children from Reception to Year 2 at noon, and the second for Years 3 to 6 starting at 12:15. On Fridays, 70% of children choose a school meal, making the cost of £2.70 per day for packed lunches appealing, especially since Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 pupils are offered government-funded free school meals.

Free School Meals

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme. Food vouchers may also be available through the Household Support Fund. Find out more by contacting your local council.

Your child will be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• Income Support

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• 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

If you do not qualify for most benefits (also known as having ‘no recourse to public funds’), your child may still be eligible for free school meals. Ask their school or local authority whether they’re eligible.

Infant free school meals in England

Your child will be able to get free school meals if they’re in a government-funded school and in:

• reception class

• year 1

• year 2

Free milk

If you get benefits, your child could also get free milk. Contact your school to find out what arrangements they make for school milk.

It is important that you claim Free school meals for your child if you are eligible to do so.

Tell your local authority if you also get any of the qualifying benefits.

Your child’s school can get extra funding if you receive free school meals on top of what you receive as a family.

At Longton Primary School. we can provide you with the forms or web site links, help completing the paperwork and provide information about eligibility criteria through this website or from our school office on 01772 612495. 

Follow the link for the councils main page:

Free school meals - Lancashire County Council

Apply by online form

Apply for free school meals and pupil premium (lancashire.gov.uk)

Apply by post

Download the application form:

• Free school meals and pupil premium form (PDF 939 KB)

Please return completed forms to:

PO Box 100
Pupil Access Team
Lancashire County Council
County Hall
Fishergate Hill
Preston PR1 0LD

If you apply by post we will notify you by email, or post if you do not provide an email address.