Free School Meals 2020-21 update

Free School Meals/School Uniform/Physical Education Clothing Allowance 2020-21

The Education Authority (EA) has been continuing to process applications for Free School Meals / Uniform Grants / Physical Education Clothing allowances throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Please see an update on 2020/21 applications.

Current Eligible Families

Parents/guardians who are currently in receipt of support for the 2019/20 school year will receive a pre-populated application form from EA, which you complete and return as soon as possible to help avoid any delays.

New Applicants

This year a new online application form has also been introduced for new applicants. Parents/guardians are required to complete the form and upload supporting documentation to verify they are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits. Both the paper based form and online form are accessible from the EA website.

www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals

Applicants can also request an application form from the Meals and Uniform Section

Ballymena: 028 25661355

Belfast: 028 90564000

Parents/Guardians whose child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs (Stage 5) and requires a special diet should contact the Meals and Uniform Section if they wish to apply under the special diet criteria.

** Please note that the school is unable to give free school meals to any pupil until the Education Authority issues authorisation. Until then, you can either pay for a school meal or send in a packed lunch. To avoid any confusion, please check on the induction day if authorisation has been received for your child. Thank you