Extension of Free School Meals Initiative

Dear Parents and Carers

As you are aware the Trustees of Prosper Learning Trust (PLT) have been providing all of our pupils with the opportunity to receive a free school meal from us during the school week. This initiative has been in place for a trial period from Monday 30^th January and is due to end on Friday 30^th June 2023. This has meant that for those pupils who do not currently receive free school meals they could receive a lunch, paid for by the Trust, up to the value of a free school meal each day they are in school.

The Trustees have decided that this initiative will be extended to the end of this term – up to and including Friday 21^st July 2023.

We would still encourage all families who may be entitled to free school meals for their children to continue to claim these during this period, because as well as being a benefit to the pupils it also ensures that our schools receive the additional income from the Government to help provide support and resources. If you believe you may be entitled and do not yet receive free school meals, please contact your child’s school for further information and support or you can apply using the following link:

Newcastle City Council - Apply for Free School MealsParticipation in this trial will not mean you are entitled to the government’s Free School Meals scheme during holiday periods – this will only apply to those who are currently eligible for free school meals.

Please note that this initiative will end at the end of this term and that from the start of the new academic year only those entitled to benefits led free school meals and universal infant free school meals will receive free meals. From 4^th September 2023 all other school meals will require to be paid for in the normal manner.

We hope this arrangement has been helpful to you and your families. 

Yours faithfully

Chris Richardson

Prosper Learning Trust Chief Executive Officer