The school recognises that education places financial demands on parents and there are some occasions when parents/carers will find it hard to meet these demands. Although funds are very limited, the school would like to support parents/families where possible. Please see our Financial Support Statement for further information.
We want to make sure that we are providing your child with the best education and support we can. Healthy school food has obvious benefits and can help pupils establish healthy habits for life. Healthy school food can also help to improve pupils’ readiness to learn.
We operate a cashless catering system at Philip Morant so free school meals are anonymous at the till.
Families who receive certain benefits may be eligible for free school meals. A list of the current eligibility requirements is available on the government free school meals website: www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals. Although the government site will direct you to Essex County Council, you will need to apply directly to us using the site below.
We use Online Free School Meals to process applications on our behalf, even if you’re not certain if you are eligible you may still apply. Visit www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/ofsm-east to apply.
If you need help with your application, please contact our Student Services team on 01206 545222.
School meals are a good way to ensure that your child eats well at lunchtime, and they can also save you time and money. Claiming free school meals also helps the school. We get extra funding, known as the ‘pupil premium’, for every eligible pupil who is registered. Your child may then become eligible for assistance with paying for items such as resources and trips.
The more eligible pupils that are registered for free school meals, the more funding the school receives. Registering does not mean your child has to take up free school meals if they don’t want to. You should still register for free school meals even if:
Supermarket vouchers for Free School Meal students, provided by Essex County Council during the holiday periods, have now ceased effective December 2023.
Students eligible for Free School Meals prior to 31st March 2024 will retain free school meals through to the end of their secondary or college education even if circumstances change.
The Essex Free School Uniform has been set up to help alleviate the pressure on parents by assisting with the cost of school uniform that can be accessed by a request through Foodbank (and other partners). For more information visit http://dnanetworks.org/projects/essex-uniform-exchange/. The school also holds some second hand uniform in school. Please email contact@pmsc.school.