School Menu & Free School Meal Information 

At Hyde Park Schools, we believe that a healthy diet is essential for learning and growth. Our school kitchen provides a variety of nutritious and delicious meals that are prepared on site using fresh ingredients. Our menus are designed to be balanced, healthy, and appealing to children, with a selection of options available daily. 

School Menus 

You can find our current menu below. It is a three-week rolling menu that changes with the seasons to ensure variety and freshness. 

 

Free School Meals 

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) if you receive certain benefits. This not only ensures your child gets a healthy meal every day, but it also provides the school with valuable Pupil Premium funding. This funding is used to provide extra support, resources, and opportunities for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping to close the attainment gap. 

🌐 PLYMOUTH COUNCIL FREE SCHOOL MEALS APPLICATION PAGE

Important Update: Free School Meals (FSM)

We would like to inform families about some important changes to the Free School Meals (FSM) application process following updated government guidance.

Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility

Since 2018, families who qualified for Free School Meals have been protected under a transitional arrangement, allowing children to continue receiving meals regardless of changes in circumstances. This protection will end in Summer 2026.

Plymouth City Council will be reviewing all existing FSM claims during the summer and will notify schools of any changes to eligibility for September 2026.

If your child is no longer eligible following this review, you may wish to submit a new application in September when further changes to the FSM scheme take effect.

Free School Meals from September 2026

From September, there will be two categories of Free School Meals:

Targeted Free School Meals

Children whose household income is £7,400 or less per year (excluding benefits).

Pupils in this category will continue to attract:

• Pupil Premium funding for schools
• Additional support programmes, including initiatives such as Fit and Fed

Expanded Free School Meals

Children whose families receive Universal Credit but have earnings above the £7,400 threshold.

Pupils in this category will:

• Continue to receive a free school meal
• Not attract Pupil Premium or related funding

What Do Parents Need to Do?

If you currently claim Free School Meals, Plymouth City Council will check your eligibility using the details provided in your original application.

Please note: If any of your details have changed since your application was submitted (for example, your name, address, or the person making the claim), you will need to submit a new application.

If your child does not currently receive Free School Meals and you think you may be eligible, please apply online via Plymouth City Council:

👉 Apply here:
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/free-school-meals

Why Is It Important to Apply?

Applying for Free School Meals can provide important benefits for both families and schools:

• Eligible children receive a nutritious meal during the school day.
• Children qualifying for Targeted FSM may also access additional support linked to their eligibility.
• Schools receive valuable funding through the Pupil Premium, helping to provide extra educational support for pupils.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What has changed?

The main change is that FSM eligibility will now be reassessed annually rather than continuing automatically. This ensures that eligibility remains accurate and up to date.

What happens if my details have changed and I do not reapply?

If your claim details have changed and you do not submit a new application, the Council may be unable to confirm your eligibility. As a result, your child's Free School Meal entitlement could end from September 2026.

Will my child lose their meals immediately?

No. Children with a current FSM claim will continue to receive meals until July 2026. Schools will be informed of eligibility decisions during the summer for the new academic year.

What benefits qualify for Free School Meals?

Eligibility is based on receiving certain qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit. Full details can be found on the Plymouth City Council website.

Does this affect Universal Infant Free School Meals?

No. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive Universal Infant Free School Meals regardless of family income.

However, eligible families are still encouraged to apply for Free School Meals, as this may unlock additional support and funding for the school.

How long does the application take?

The online application process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete.

What if I need help applying?

If you require support with your application, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.

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Further Information

Free School Meals Team
Education, Participation and Skills
Plymouth City Council
Ballard House
Plymouth PL1 3BJ

📞 01752 307410
✉️ FSM@plymouth.gov.uk

🌐 www.plymouth.gov.uk/free-school-meals

 

If you need any assistance with your application, please contact the school office, and we will be happy to help.