Students whose parent(s), carer(s), guardian(s) receive benefits payments - or students who get benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian - are eligible for Free School Meals when they receive one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseekers' Allowance
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
• Support under Part IV of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit only (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income does not exceed £16,190)
• Pension Credit Guarantee
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

The school meal consists of a main meal and a drink or dessert at lunchtime.

Signing up for free school meals does not mean that your child must have a school meal five days a week. You can choose to provide a packed lunch on some days, if preferred.

How to apply

Applications are made directly to Hertfordshire Education Benefits Team. Please be aware that the Benefits Team will require your National Insurance Number to make the application.

• Telephone: 0300 123 4048 (Monday to Friday from 8am-8pm & Saturday from 9am-4pm)
• Online: Visit Herts Direct - Free School Meals. This is the easiest way to apply and takes only a few minutes to completion the application. You will know immediately if your application has been successful and Westfield Academy will also be informed at the same time.

---

HAPpy Holidays – Bookings now open!
Looking for something to keep your children entertained this Easter Holiday?

Through DfE funding, Hertfordshire County Council and Herts Sports Partnership have co-ordinated a huge range of activities running at different venues across the county.

Each activity will offer a nutritious meal and all of this is free for young people in receipt of benefits-related Free School Meals. As an eligible family, you can book for free using your unique HAPpy Booking Code (when prompted, please make sure you enter the whole code, which includes the ! symbol which is found in the middle of the code).

Your unique code is: U7F!4S. You will be able to search for activities using your postcode or child’s age – places are limited and strictly on a first come basis, so be quick and book online now!
https://www.sportinherts.org.uk/booking.

Need help? Hertfordshire Libraries have computers you can use, and friendly staff who will be able to help. Additionally, there are a range of online activities to look through, with ideas for learning more about history, music, and theatre, plus ways to keep your family active for 60 minutes each day! View these at https://www.sportinherts.org.uk/haf/enrichment.

Lastly, our information page has links to a variety of organisations and advice you and your family may find useful. Visit this at https://sportinherts.org.uk/useful-local-services.