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St Peter's Church of England Primary School

Pupil Premium

Free School Meals (FSM) and Pupil Premium Offer

At St Peter’s, our vision is to ensure that every child is known, valued and given the opportunity to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Guided by our Christian values of compassion, courage and respect, we are committed to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that all children can access the full richness of school life, regardless of their circumstances.

We recognise that some families may need additional support. The Government provides funding through the Free School Meals (FSM) and Pupil Premium schemes to help schools support eligible children and close gaps in attainment and opportunity.

Understanding the Difference: Targeted FSM and Expanded FSM

From September 2026, the government has announced a change. There are now  two categories of Free School Meals (FSM) for families receiving Universal Credit.

  1. Targeted Free School Meals (FSM) and Pupil Premium

Children are eligible for Targeted FSM if their family receives Universal Credit and has annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, or meets other qualifying criteria. These children receive:

  • Free school meals
  • Pupil Premium funding for the school
  • Access to additional support and funding opportunities
  • Eligibility for some wider educational support programmes linked to disadvantage funding  such as the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) 
  1. Expanded Free School Meals (FSM)

Children are eligible for Expanded FSM if their family receives Universal Credit but earns above the Targeted FSM threshold.

These children receive:

  • Free school meals

However, schools do not receive additional Pupil Premium funding for these pupils, and they are not automatically entitled to additional support programmes linked to Targeted FSM.

St Peter’s Pupil Premium Offer

For Children Eligible for Targeted FSM and Pupil Premium

Through our Pupil Premium funding, St Peter’s may provide:

Financial Support upon request

✅ One item of branded school uniform each academic year

✅ Financial support towards residential visits

✅ Financial support towards curriculum enrichment activities and educational visits

✅ Reduced wraparound care fees

✅ Financial support towards school events and celebrations

✅ Assistance with music tuition, clubs or sports activities where funding allows

Academic Support

✅ Targeted intervention programmes

✅ Small group support

✅ Additional reading support

✅ Access to educational resources where required

✅ Support with curriculum-related trips, experiences and learning materials

Wellbeing and Inclusion Support

✅ Pastoral support from school staff where required

✅ Access to nurture and wellbeing provision where required

✅ Support with attendance where barriers exist

✅ Breakfast provision where needed

✅ Support to participate fully in clubs, performances, competitions and leadership opportunities

✅ Priority consideration for funded enrichment opportunities where available

These provisions are designed to ensure that every child can fully participate in school life and achieve their potential.

Support for Children Receiving Expanded FSM

Children eligible for Expanded FSM are entitled to receive free school meals.

St Peter's will continue to work closely with families to ensure children can fully access school life and learning. Where funding permits and individual need is identified, families may still discuss support options with the school.

Why It Is Important to Apply

Even if your child already receives a free meal, registering for Targeted FSM can be extremely important.

By registering:

  • Your child may become eligible for additional school support.
  • The school may receive Pupil Premium funding to invest in teaching, learning and wellbeing provision.
  • The school can better identify and support families who may benefit from additional assistance.

If you are unsure which category, you already or may fall into, please contact our school business manager at finance@st-peters.kent.sch.uk

How to Apply

Parents and carers can apply through Kent’s Local Authority's Free School Meals application process.

Apply for free school meals - Kent County Council

The application is confidential and straightforward. The school business manager is happy to help families complete an application if required.

To apply:

  1. Visit Kent’s Free School Meals application website. Apply for free school meals - Kent County Council
  2. Complete the online eligibility check.
  3. Provide details of any qualifying benefits or Universal Credit claim.
  4. The Local Authority will confirm eligibility.
  5. The school will be informed of the outcome.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, we strongly encourage you to apply, as eligibility rules can change and an application may unlock valuable support for your child and the school.

Our Commitment

At St Peter's, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to:

  • Belong
  • Achieve
  • Flourish
  • Experience success
  • Access the full life of the school

Our Pupil Premium offer reflects our commitment to ensuring that no child misses out on learning, enrichment or wider opportunities because of financial circumstances. Through careful stewardship of funding and a strong partnership with families, we seek to remove barriers, nurture potential and enable every child to thrive as a valued member of our school community.

"Let your light shine." (Matthew 5:16)

Through this commitment, we aim to ensure that every child at St Peter's is supported to shine brightly and fulfil their God-given potential.

 

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