Pupil Premium and Free School Meals

Free School Meals

When families are on low income, either due to divorce, redundancy or even when parents have gone back to studying, their children may be eligible to receive 'Free School Meals'.  This is separate from Universal Free school Meals (see below). All children on 'Free School Meals' (FSM), and those who have been on FSM at any time in the past six years, plus those who have previously been in care, are called 'Pupil Premium' pupils.  The government gives schools extra funding based on the number of pupil premium pupils in the school.  Schools are free to spend the Pupil Premium as they see fit, but we are held accountable for how we have used the additional funding to support pupils and what impact this has had on pupil outcomes.  See the report below for details of how we plan to spend this year's funding and the impact of last year's funding.

Pupil Premium Strategy 2023-2024

Benefits of receiving free school meals (FSM)

In Kent, 21% of children receive free school meals. If you are eligible and register your child will get at Smarden:

  • a choice of delicious, healthy hot meals every school day at no cost - this is worth £470 a year per child and recognised to improve behaviour and learning.
  • a £10 food voucher per eligible child each week during the school holidays which can be spent in supermarkets and local shops.
  • 50% off school trips, including residential trips.
  • 50% off breakfast and after school care.
  • At least 50% off music lessons and sometimes more with assistance from Kent Music.
  • Priority booking for all clubs.
  • A Champion for your child. From the very first day they start, to the day they leave Smarden, all pupil premium children will be given a Key worker. (see separate tab on ACE at Smarden.) 

Check whether you are eligible here: apply for benefits-related free school meals 

Contact the office or Mrs Miller (head@smarden-tkat.org) if you are unsure what arrangements are being put in place for your family.

Universal free school meals

If your child is in year R, year 1 or year 2 they are entitled to universal free school meals - all children in these year groups can get a free meal at school each day.