beal high school

media arts college

Message from the Headteacher

Posted 15/12/2010

At Beal High School we like to provide families with all the information regarding the financial support that is available to them. Free school meals money is paid directly into the canteen accounts of the pupils. Students do not carry a card and are not highlighted in any way. In addition, the school receives additional funding based on the number of students with Free School Meals. It is therefore beneficial to all our students if families who are eligible apply, even if they choose not to take up the offer.

Free School Meals

Posted 15/12/2010

Since 6 April 2010, the income ‘threshold’, which forms part of the ‘Tax Credit’ free school meal eligibility category has been changed to £16,190.

Children whose parents receive the following support payments are entitled to receive free school meals:

  • Income Support (IS)
  • Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
  • An income-related employment and support allowance (this benefit was introduced on 27 October 2008)
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; or
  • The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.
  • Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) that as of 6 April 2010 does not exceed £16,190.

Note: From 1 May 2009 where a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week, their children are entitled to free school lunches.

Children who receive IS or IBJSA in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals.

It should be noted that children who receive “education suitable for children who have not attained compulsory school age” will still need to satisfy the additional requirement of “receiving education both before and after the lunch period”, before being eligible to receive free school meals.

What to do next

If, after reading the information on this page and on the attached application forms, you are unsure whether you qualify for an award, please submit an application form (click here) and we will contact you with the outcome.

School Uniform Awards

Posted 15/12/2010

Exceptional circumstances criteria are:

  • Enforced re-housing and an associated move of school
  • Parent(s) and child in a refuge necessitating a change of school
  • Exceptional circumstances requiring a replacement of a uniform e.g. fire damage.

How is it assessed?

All exceptional factors will be assessed on an individual basis; taking into account written evidence from the professional support agency involved with your family such as:

  • Education Welfare Officer
  • Social Worker
  • Police.

What to do next

To obtain further details of exceptional circumstances and applications forms, please contact the Admissions & Awards Team on 0208 708 3123.

Important Contacts

Posted 15/12/2010

Admissions and Awards Team
255/259 High Road
Ilford
Essex
IG1 1NN

Telephone: 020 8708 3114