School Meals

School Meals & Free School Meal Support

At HVA, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to a nutritious, balanced meal during the school day. School meals are provided by Innovate, who offer a varied and healthy hot meal option each day. A copy of the current menu can be found at the bottom of this page.

We understand that family circumstances can change, and we want to ensure that all families receive the support available to them. If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Universal Infant Free School Meals

The Government currently provides funding for all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to receive a free school meal each day.

Parents and carers of children in these year groups will not be charged for school meals. However, if your family meets the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals, we still encourage you to complete an application, as this may provide additional support and funding for both your child and the academy.

Meals for Years 3-6

For pupils in Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6), school meals must be paid for in advance through MyChildAtSchool (MCAS).

Please ensure that there is sufficient credit on your MCAS account to cover your child’s meals, as we are unable to accept cash or cheque payments.

Free School Meal Eligibility

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive certain qualifying benefits.

Targeted Free School Meals

Your child may qualify if you receive:

Universal Credit, with an annual net earned income of £7,400 or less (£616.67 per month)
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income is £16,190 or less)
Working Tax Credit run-on payments received for four weeks after you stop qualifying

Expanded Free School Meals

Your child may also qualify for Expanded Free School Meals if you receive Universal Credit and your annual earnings exceed £7,400.

Why Is It Important to Apply?

Applying for Free School Meals is about much more than providing a meal.

If your child qualifies for Targeted Free School Meals, additional funding may be available to help support your child throughout their time at HVA. This support may include assistance towards:

Educational visits and school trips
School uniform items, including jumpers and cardigans
Milk provision
KS2 music lessons
Additional educational support where appropriate

Even if your child already receives Universal Infant Free School Meals, registering their eligibility ensures that both your child and the school can benefit from the additional funding available.

How to Apply

Applying is quick, simple and confidential.

Parents and carers can complete an application online using the Free School Meals Eligibility Checker link below. The system provides an instant result to both families and the school.

Please note:

An application must be completed for each child, including siblings.
Eligibility begins from the date of application and cannot be backdated.
Any meal charges incurred before a successful application remains the responsibility of the parent or carer.

We encourage families to apply before their child starts school or as soon as their circumstances change.

Pupil Premium Funding

The academy receives additional Government funding, known as Pupil Premium, for pupils who:

Are currently eligible for Targeted Free School Meals or have been eligible within the last six years
Are from a service family
Have previously been looked after by a Local Authority

This funding enables us to provide additional resources, support and opportunities that benefit both individual pupils and the wider school community.

Children attracting Pupil Premium funding may also be eligible for further financial assistance with aspects of school life, helping to ensure that every child can fully participate in the opportunities available to them.