For children in unregistered alternative provision
There is an expectation on Local Authorities to consider a free school meal equivalent for children who attend an unregistered alternative provision. This is laid out under section 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
What we offer in Essex
We offer a free school meal assessment to all Essex children who are:
- not on roll to a DfE registered setting
- receiving unregistered alternative provision (AP)
- educated other than at school, including personal budgets
- in unregistered AP where the LA has a duty under Section 19 to provide suitable full-time education
The assessment checks if you are eligible for free school meals.
Eligible families will receive a weekly supermarket voucher to the value of £15. Vouchers are issued via Wonde.
How to get a free school meal assessment
You do not need to apply for a school meal assessment for unregistered AP. We will send you a letter telling you what you need to provide for the assessment. This letter will be sent:
- when your child first starts unregistered AP
- at the end of every term, in case your circumstances have changed
When you will get your vouchers
| Situation | First payment |
|---|---|
| The assessment was done in the same academic term that the request for AP was made | Vouchers will be backdates to the date of the request |
| The assessment was done outside of the academic term that the request for AP was made | Vouchers will be issued from the date that eligibility is confirmed |
| The child has been permanently excluded | Vouchers will be issued from day six of the exclusion |
Supermarket vouchers will continue until the child is placed on roll at a DfE registered setting.
Contact us
If you have any queries regarding FSM eligibility or payments, please email APattendance@essex.gov.uk.