Highfields School
Issue 30: 7 May 2020
Newsletter Updates for Parents/Carers Free School Meals during the Coronavirus outbreak If you are a family who have had to apply for Universal Credit for the first time to help you out during these difficult times, please remember to apply for Free School Meals and let us know if you are successful by forwarding your confirmation email to us so we can change your status and add you to the voucher/hamper schemes school is operating. The COVID-19 pandemic is identifying new vulnerable families within Derbyshire. Many have seen their personal circumstances change dramatically, have lost income and may be finding it difficult to claim benefits and seek assistance. Derbyshire County Council are concerned that there may be some families now be eligible for Free School Meals but unsure how to apply or who don’t know if they are entitled. It is important to remember that families who become eligible now will be protected and continue to receive free meals until March 2022 under a new ruling following the rollout of Universal Credit. Taking up this allowance can save a family budget over £400 for each child every year. Schools also benefit, as students eligible for free schools meals attract Pupil Premium funding of around £1,000 per student. This funding is guaranteed for six years, whether or not the student continues to be eligible for free schools meals during that time. If you feel you may be eligible for Free School Meals you can contact the friendly Free School Meals team in any of the following ways: Email: checking@derbyshire.gov.uk Telephone: 01629 536400 / 01629 535743 Families can also apply directly online at: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/your-child-at-school/meals/school-meals/freeschool-meals.aspx Access to free schools meals provides many benefits to eligible families during these difficult times, including reducing the financial burden of providing regular meals. Children receive the benefit of a consistent source of nutrition, improving concentration and the ability to learn, as well as encouraging them to eat a variety of foods and adopt healthy eating habits.
School Travel Insurance Claims – Update Derbyshire County Council’s insurers are currently experiencing a very high volume of calls and emails and have advised that delays of 21-28 days should be expected at this time. We appreciate that parents/carers are waiting for refunds and that finances are very limited due to the current situation but we have been advised by DCC that there will be delays of up to one month due to the unprecedented situation. We can only apologise for this. Please be assured that both school and DCC are doing our best to monitor the claims and chase for settlements as far as we are able. However, we are very much in the hands of the insurers at this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Be the best you can
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