Support and resources available

Families Accessing Free School Meals

During this third national lockdown the government are not offering the national free school meal voucher scheme and schools are offering out hampers to families who usually have free school meals.

We are preparing hampers with enough food in for a fortnight. If you would like a hamper, or have a query regarding hampers, please email Kerry Alcock (kalcock@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk) if you have not already done so.

Hampers will be available for collection in the Bowler Hall at Starkholmes on Tuesdays. Please ensure you wear a suitable face mask and maintain social distancing when on the school site to collect hampers.

Free School Meal Criteria

Families could qualify for free school meals if meeting the following criteria:  Universal Credit, provided there is an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)  Income Support  Income-based Jobseekers Allowance  Income-related Employment and Support Allowance  support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999  the guarantee element of State Pension Credit  Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) as assessed by HMRC  Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

Universal Credit has begun to be rolled out in Derbyshire and will affect all areas of Derbyshire by the end of 2022 - full details are available on Derbyshire County Council’s website https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/adult-care-and-wellbeing/benefits-debt-and-legalmatters/welfare-benefits/universal-credit/universal-credit.aspx

Young people age 16 to 18 who receive the benefits or tax credits in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals. Even if you meet any or all of the criteria, families will not be eligible if they are claiming Working Tax Credit. You can sign up for free school meals at any time of year. You or your partner can claim for your children, as long as you live at the same address. You do not have to fill in a separate form for each child, even if they go to different schools. For further information contact the free school meals team on 01629 536400 or 01629 536481.

Highfields In School Support (HISS) during school closures

If you wish your child to attend school because they meet the criteria previously issued, please email lleverton@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk by Friday of each week and specify the details of the days and times of the following week that emergency childcare is required.

Any students attending should bring packed lunch/snacks and are required to wear a mask when on the school sites. Mrs Leverton will confirm details to families individually.