Information about Free School Meals

We encourage all children to have a healthy and nutritional meal at lunchtime and a snack during morning break. Research shows that children who have a nutritionally balanced meal (rather than one that has too much sugar and fat) are better able to concentrate in lessons.

We also encourage children to keep hydrated during the school day, preferably with water or other drinks without additives or added sugar.

All meals prepared at a maintained school must comply with the government Standards for school food in England.

Holiday Voucher Scheme

Ahead of the school holidays, families of primary, secondary and sixth form college pupils who currently receive free school meals will automatically be sent supermarket vouchers to help them buy food.

Eligible pre-school-aged children in Devon County Council-maintained nurseries (including academies) also received the vouchers if they usually attended sessions before and after lunch. Private, governor run and charity run settings are not funded for free school meals.

Parents and carers of children currently receiving free school meals will be sent a letter or email with information about how to access their vouchers. Please get in touch with our free school meals team if you are expecting to receive one but don’t. You can email them at [email protected] or call our education helpline on 0345 155 1019.

If you do not have access to the internet or a mobile phone in order to receive the vouchers, please contact your school direct and they will make arrangements to print off the vouchers for you. Please note, you will need to provide your school with your unique code in order for them to redeem your voucher on your behalf.

If you think you might now be eligible for free school meals

If you think your child may now be eligible for free school meals due to a recent change in your family circumstances, please take a moment to check the Devon Citizen’s Portal as soon as possible. This is the quickest way for eligibility to be assessed. 

Apply through the Devon Citizens Portal. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision. Alternatively, call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019.

More information about the free school meals holiday voucher scheme is available on the Devon County Council website.