If your child is eligible for free school meals, they can have a school meal without you paying for it. From September 2026, your child will need to be checked for eligibility at the start of each academic year.

To check eligibility, please complete an online application form, available on the Southend on Sea City Council website via this link: Free school meals: information for parents and carers – Southend-on-Sea City Council

To apply, you will need:

• Parent name

• Parent date of birth

• Parents National Insurance number