School meals
We encourage all children to have a healthy and nutritional meal at lunchtime and a snack during morning break.
Research shows that children who have a nutritionally balanced meal (rather than one that has too much sugar and fat) are better able to concentrate in lessons. All meals prepared at a maintained school must comply with the government Standards for school food in England.
We also encourage children to keep hydrated during the school day, preferably with water or other drinks without additives or added sugar.
Free school meals
All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at state schools in England automatically get free school meals.
From year 3 onwards, children whose parents are in receipt of the following are entitled to free school meals:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the guaranteed element of State 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
Children who receive any of the above benefits in their own right (i.e. they get benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian) can also get free school meals.
How to apply
Please use our online application form, which you can email to freeschoolmeals@devon.gov.uk or print out and post to FSM Team, Room L102, County Hall, Exeter EX2 4QD