General News

Free School Meals – Who is Entitled?

Important Information for Families.

Firstly, if your child is already receiving Free School Meals and is in Years 3–11, there is nothing you need to do. The Local Authority already holds your information and will automatically check your child’s eligibility ahead of their return to school in September 2026.

If your child is in Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2), they will already have been receiving a free school meal through the universal infant scheme. If you have previously completed a Free School Meal application, so that your child’s school can access additional funding, your eligibility will also be automatically checked—so again, you do not need to take any action.

If your child has not been receiving a free school meal and you believe your they may be eligible please read the information below.

From September 2026, the Government is extending eligibility for Free School Meals. This means that more families may now qualify for support, even if they have not previously been eligible.

What this means for you

· If your household income is lower, your child may now be entitled to free school meals at school

· Schools receive additional funding (known as Pupil Premium) for every eligible child, which is used to support learning, resources and enrichment opportunities

· Even if your child prefers a packed lunch, applying can still bring valuable benefits to both your child and the school

What you need to do

· If you think you may now be eligible, we strongly encourage you to submit an application before the start of the academic year.

· Applications are quick, confidential and securely processed

· If your child is already receiving Free School Meals, you do not need to reapply

Why it’s important to apply

· Ensures your child receives all the support they are entitled to

· Helps the school access additional funding to support pupils

· May provide access to further support, such as help with trips or activities

If you would like further information or support with your application, please contact the school office.

We encourage all families to take a few minutes to check their eligibility — this support can make a real difference.

HAF Summer Activities 2026

Free Holiday Clubs with Food Included!

Who Can Join?

• Children & Young People in Reception to Year 11
• Eligible for benefits-related free school meals

Not Sure if you qualify?

• Speak to your child’s school to support you in accessing a voucher.

What’s included?

• Up to 16 days of fun activities & free meal provided every day

Key information for families:

• Vouchers will be sent directly via email or text on 22 June 2026
• Bookings must be made through the official HAF booking platform
• Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis

If you can’t make it please cancel your place so another child can benefit.

HAF Summer 2026 A4 poster

Water safety – Important message for parents and schools

Key messages for Parents and Schools – Final 

Following recent tragic incidents involving water, this is an important reminder of how
quickly situations can change. As the weather gets warmer, more children and young
people are spending time around rivers, lakes and the coast, increasing the risk of
harm.
Even on hot days, open water can be dangerously cold, and conditions are often
unpredictable.
Children and young people may not always recognise these risks, so it’s vital that
key safety messages are shared.

Key water safety messages
Please help reinforce the following advice with children and young people:
• Stop and Think: Check for hidden hazards such as deep water, currents
and cold temperatures
• Stay Together: Never go into or near water alone; choose areas with
lifeguards where possible
• Call 999 in an emergency: Ask for the Coastguard at the coast, or Fire &
Rescue if you are inland
• Float – If you fall in, stay calm, float on your back and control your
breathing

Cold water shock
Many recent incidents have involved cold water. Even strong swimmers can be
affected. Sudden immersion can cause panic, loss of breathing control and reduced
ability to swim.
If you fall into water:
• Try to stay calm: The effects of cold water shock usually pass within the first
minute
• Float on your back to regain control of your breathing
• Once calm, call for help or swim to safety if possible
A Life-saving skill: Float to Live
Teaching children how to float could save a life:
• Tilt your head back with ears in the water
• Relax and breathe slowly
• Move hands and feet gently to stay afloat

Crisis and Resilience Fund

If your family is going through a hard time or facing an unexpected crisis, your local district council may be able to help.

From 1 April, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to support local welfare services.

The fund will run until 31 March 2029 and is paid for by the UK Government.

The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF), which ran from October 2021 until 31 March 2026. Because of this change, free school meal vouchers will no longer be available during school holidays.

How your district council can help

District councils can help with urgent needs such as food, essential household items and other practical support

You may want to contact your district council if you are dealing with things like:

• sudden money problems
• a family emergency that makes it hard to cover basic needs
• trouble getting food or essential household items
• a change at home that leaves you without immediate support
• extra pressure on your household budget, for example during the school holidays

Each district has a team that can talk to you about your situation and explain what help is available in your area. This support may come directly from the council or through local community organisations.

To get help, visit your district council’s website or contact them by phone.

If you are not sure which district council covers your area, you can check by entering your postcode at www.lancashire.gov.uk/district-council.

If you are already getting support from a professional, for example through a Family Hub, school, health visitor or Early Years practitioner, then they can help you to contact your district council.

We are please to say our phone lines are back working again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding today.

If your child is eligible for free school meals, the vouchers for the Christmas Holidays will be sent via email on Friday 19th December.

• Check Spam/Junk: Vouchers come from noreply@edenred.co.uk
• If you have the eCode but can’t redeem: Email the dedicated parent support: freeschoolmealsparentscarers@edenred.com

Please see the attached letter from Preston Community Safety Partnership to parents about the dangers of empty buildings.

Empty Buildings Preston

8th July to 12th July is our final reading week of the 2023/24 academic year here at Larches: –

It is a week dedicated to reading. Please encourage your child to read at home as much as possible.

We have a well-stocked and up to date library in school which they can borrow books from to bring home.

We have been asked by the Health Protection Service at Lancashire County Council and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to raise awareness of measles and the importance of two doses of the MMR vaccine. Please see the two links below with more information on Measles.

UKHSA Measles flyer_School

Measles How to Stay Safe poster

If you are unsure if you or your child is vaccinated against Measles, please contact your GP who will be able to advise and if necessary book an appointment to get you vaccinated.