What is the Free School Meal Portal? It allows parents to submit their Free School Meals application online rather than completing paper application forms. The portal includes an on-line eligibility checking service which gives an instant response to their entitlement to claiming the meals.
What impact will this have on schools? This will reduce the time administration staff spend on submitting FSM forms. It will no longer be necessary to fax or email applications to us, therefore, reducing the need for this process and paper.
Do parents need to have a computer to do this? No, applications can be made by using Smartphones or tablets. It is also possible to use computers at libraries, etc.
What do parents need in order to apply? They will need to have an email address and know their National Insurance or NASS (National Asylum Support Service) number.
Is this the only method of applying? No, the paper forms are still available but it will be far more efficient and quicker to encourage parents to apply using the portal. The portal will advise parents of their entitlement shortly after they have fully submitted their application, unlike the current five-day processing time with paper forms (this can be longer during busy times).
Do all parents need to apply? If children are currently receiving Free School Meals, it is not necessary to apply again. This new system for applying is for new claimants.
How we will know if parents have not applied for Free School Meals if their children are in receipt of the Universal Free School Meals once the pupils have been enrolled at school? All children in Reception, years 1 and 2, where an application has been submitted will appear on your Free School Meal Extract, showing as either FSM of UIFSM.
Why is a pupil not showing on the Free School Meal extract? If a pupil’s name does not appear on your list, this would suggest that an application has not been made or your school is not currently showing as the child’s registered base. Any queries, please do not hesitate to contact this team.
Will the Free School Meals list that you run look any different? The Free School Meals portal will not have an impact on your list which will remain unchanged.
If there is a query, who can they contact? General advice and support can be given by the Travel Assistance and Free School Meals Team by contacting: Email: edsupport@gloucestershire.gov.uk Address: Travel Assistance and FSM Team, Gloucestershire County Council, Shire Hall, Gloucester. GL1 2TP Telephone: 01452 425390
