In line with the latest Welsh Government Guidance, Blaenau Gwent Council is moving to a direct payment method for free school meals. The weekly sum of £19.50 per/child (which equates to £3.90 per day – £1.00 breakfast and £2.90 for lunch), will be available for children and young people who normally access their full-time education in Blaenau Gwent and are currently of statutory school age (i.e. Reception to Year 11). Payments will be paid directly into your bank/building society or post office account via BAC’s payment. The £19.50 payment will be issued to cover the weekly costs of your child/children’s free school meal(s). The money is to be used in order to pay for nutritious food for your child/children.
Eligibility
Direct payments are only available for children and young people who are eligible for free school meals and attend schools within Blaenau Gwent. If your child or children attend school outside of Blaenau Gwent, then you will need to apply to/contact the Local Authority in which the school is situated for your details of free school meals entitlement. Please note, you should only complete an application if your child/children are eligible for free school meals. Guidance relating to free school meal eligibility can be found via the following link: https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/resident/housing-benefit/welfare-reform/free-school-meals-clothing-grants/
The second application round will open at 9am on Friday 1st May and will close on Friday 8th May 2020 at 5pm. To complete an application for direct payment, please visit the following link:
If you have already made a direct application which has been approved, you will not need to re-apply for free school meals direct payments.
Parents/carers will be contacted upon approval of a fully completed and eligible application, in order to confirm details of payment.
If your children are not entitled to free school meals and you and/or your family are facing hardship as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak meaning that you require help and support, please visit the Council’s website via the following link, to access information on options which may be available to you: https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/emergencies-crime-prevention/local-help-support-covid-19/
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