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Parents / Carers are no longer required to provide supporting documentation to verify their benefit entitlement if they are already in receipt of benefits. All we need is for you as the parent / carer to complete and return a free school meals application form to enable us to verify your benefit entitlement. NB If you are not entitled to benefits, please supply proof of earnings with your application. Monmouthshire looked after children will be entitled to claim a free school meal once confirmation from Social Services has been received. Please do not contact the Shared Benefit Service to make enquiries as they are not responsible for assessing this claim. It is the parent/carers responsibility to apply for free school meals each academic year. Schools will not be able to provide your child with a free meal until an application has been authorised by the Shared Benefit Service at Torfaen. The Shared Benefit Service can be contacted on 01495 742377 or benefits@torfaen.gov.uk
Free School Meals / Essential Grant Eligibility Criteria
Free Leisure Facilities Pass
Those pupils who have been assessed and authorised for free school meals will also be eligible for free use of swimming pools and some other leisure activities within Monmouthshire leisure centres. Your details will be shared with the Leisure Services team who will automatically activate the free leisure pass following approval of your child’s free school meal entitlement. For further information please contact 01633 644791.
School Essentials Grant
The Welsh Government has introduced a new grant to assist families on low incomes for the purchase of school uniform including coats and shoes; school sports kit including footwear; uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to, scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts or dance.
Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery; specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology; and equipment for out of school hour’s trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs.
Some other purchases including in relation to enrichment activities, specialist equipment and equipment for out of hours trips.
The Funding is available to pupils who are eligible for free school meals from Reception to Year 11 in September 2027. Funding is provided at £125 for each eligible pupil from Reception to Year 6 and Year 8 to Year 11. Those pupils in Year 7 the funding is £200. Entitlement will be automatically assessed alongside your free school meal application. If you become eligible during the financial year or have any further queries please contact the Benefits Team on 01495 742037 or 742377.
School Governors
Each school has a Governing Body, which plays an important role in the life of the school. The Governing Body is accountable for the conduct of the school and improving standards for children and young people. Specifically, each governing body is responsible for the delivery of the national curriculum, target setting, the schools finance, the appointment of staff and so on. Governing Bodies are made up of local people and will include parents, appointees of the Local Authority, teachers, school support staff, headteachers, and may include representatives of the local business community and the church. The number of governors an d frequency of meetings will depend upon the type and size of the school. Details of how to become a school governor may be obtained from the EAS Governor Support Team on 01443 864963 Option 2.
Health and Safety
In addition to the County Council and Local Authority Health & Safety policies, every school has an individual Health and Safety Policy that is tailored to the specific needs of the school. Local Authorities and Governing Bodies are required to conform to the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and will have either a Health & Safety sub committee or nominated governor responsible for health and safety matters. Further information regarding health and safety matters can be obtained from the Support Services Team on 01443 864963 or here