Birkrig, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 9BN. Telephone: 01695 724730.
www.bishopmartin.lancs.sch.uk Headteacher: Mr IJ McDonald
Headteacher Update for Parents/Carers 09/04/20 Dear Parents/Carers, Introduction I am writing to update you all on developments this week with the current situation and wish you all the very best for the upcoming Easter weekend! Free School Meals Update In my letter to you all last Friday I explained how Free School Meal Provision would not be available over this week and next week (the traditional Easter Holiday period). Following this letter, Michael Gove appeared on TV on Saturday and stated that the Government would be extending their e-voucher system to include this week and next week. This just highlights the ever-changing situation in which I am trying to manage the school and the challenges it presents! So this week the office staff have been working hard to get all of our Free School Meal families onto the Government system so you can access the vouchers this week and next week. Obviously the system is being used by every school up and down the country so there is a huge demand but we are really doing our best so please be patient. I would like to explain the difference between ‘Universal Infant Free School Meals’ and ‘Free School Meals’. A number of parents of EYFS/KS1 pupils have been in touch with school this week to ask why they haven’t been receiving food parcels/vouchers as their child receives Free School Dinners. ALL Reception and Infant pupils are entitled to a school dinner, without charge, and this is called ‘Universal Infant Free School Meals’ (UIFSM). This is different to ‘Free School Meals’ (FSM). To qualify for Free School Meals you need to complete the following form and meet the criteria. If anyone feels they may qualify I would urge you to complete the form below online, telephone 01772 532109 or get in touch with the school: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals Home Learning Support As mentioned in my update last week, we are only providing ‘Easter Activity’ ideas to do with your child over this week and next week and the main tool for communicating these ideas is via the school Twitter feed (@SkemBishopM). We have grown to 312 followers over