Free School Meals and Clothing Grants

We want to ensure that you are not missing out on any potential entitlements. Two important areas are free school meals and clothing grants to support the purchase of school uniform.

Access to free school meals is an important part of the health and wellbeing of students at Dunbar Grammar School. If your son or daughter is entitled, we want to help you overcome any problems you might have with the application process.

We take steps to protect the identity of young people who receive free school meals. The cashless catering system allows funds to be discreetly deposited on a student’s card. This helps to minimise any potential stigma attached to children and young people who are eligible for this support.

East Lothian Council provides free school meals to children who are attending East Lothian Council schools and whose parents or carers are receiving:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance (income related)
  • Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) with an annual income less than £16,105
  • Maximum Child Tax Credit and maximum Working Tax Credit, with an annual income less than £6,420

If you are between 16 and 18 years old and receive any of these benefits in your own right, you can claim free school meals.

You may also be eligible for free school meals if you are an asylum seeker receiving support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Please note, the person in receipt of the benefit must make the claim.

School clothing grant

You may also be able to get a school clothing grant, which you can claim for on the same form you use to apply for free school meals.

Charges –      There is no charge for applying for free school meals.

I need help completing the form – just phone the school office who will be able to direct you to someone who can help.

Where can I get a copy of the form?  The form is available on the East Lothian Council website below. You can also pick a copy up from the school office.

http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/864/parental_support-benefits_and_grants/613/free_school_meals/2