Inclusion
Hello. My name is Miss Senior and I am the school’s Inclusion Leader (SENCo). If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding inclusion please do not hesitate to contact me via the school office and I will be happy to help.
Mrs Hood, our Inclusion Assistant, leads on and has responsibility for Pupil Premium which is additional funding for publically funded schools in England; its aim is to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities and to close the gap between them and their peers. Goring CE Primary School will only receive this additional money to spend on children if parents or guardians who are eligible apply for it.
Free School Meals & Pupil Premium Funding
At Goring Primary School we encourage all eligible families to apply for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM). Registering your child ensures they receive a healthy daily meal and can also unlock vital extra funding called Pupil Premium for our school, which we use to support your child’s learning and enrichment.
Do I Qualify?
Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive any of the following benefits:
* Universal Credit
* Income Support or 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 State Pension Credit
* Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
The Two-Tier FSM System
Following recent national changes, eligible Universal Credit applicants fall into one of two categories:
Targeted FSM: For families with net annual earnings of £7,400 or less. Children receive free daily meals, and the school receives Pupil Premium funding to support their education. These children also get priority access to the WSCC Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Expanded FSM: For families with net annual earnings above £7,400. Children receive free daily school meals, but do not qualify for Pupil Premium or HAF programmes.
Important Note for Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 Parents
Even though all children in infant classes automatically receive a free meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme, it is still essential that you formally apply for benefits-related FSM if you meet the criteria. Doing so ensures our school receives the funding required to provide extra staff, resources, and clubs.
How to Apply
Applications are handled securely and confidentially by the council.
1. Apply Online: Visit the official West Sussex County Council Free School Meals Portal (https://www.westsussex.gov.uk) to complete a quick eligibility check and application.
2. Get Assistance: If you need help with your application or do not have internet access, please contact the school office in confidence, or email the council directly at fsm@westsussex.gov.uk.
3. Mid-Year Moves: If your child is transferring to us from another school and was already receiving benefits-related Free School Meals, please notify our school office immediately so we can transfer your entitlement.
Facing Financial Hardship?
If you do not qualify for Free School Meals but are currently experiencing financial difficulties, extra welfare support is available. You can contact the West Sussex County Council Community Hub directly on 0330 222 7980 for advice on food and energy support.
HAF - Holiday Activities and Food Programme
The HAF programme is fully funded by the Department for Education and offers children who are entitled to targeted free school meals the opportunity to attend participating holiday activity clubs and have a free meal.
Targeted free school meals (FSM) are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits and have a claim verified by West Sussex County Council.
Eligible children can attend their chosen HAF provision for a a maximum of 4 sessions in the Easter holidays, 16 in the summer holidays and 4 sessions in the winter holidays.
Aims of the HAF programme
As a result of this programme, we want children who attend this provision to:
- eat healthily over the school holidays
- be active during the school holidays
- take part in engaging and enriching activities which support the development of resilience, character and wellbeing along with their wider educational attainment
- be safe and not to be socially isolated
- have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition
- be more engaged with school and other local services
We also want to ensure that the families who participate in this programme:
- develop their understanding of nutrition and food budgeting
- are signposted towards other information and support, for example, health, employment and education
How to access HAF
All HAF bookings must be made using the online HAF booking system. You will be able to book a maximum of 4 sessions in the Easter holidays, 16 in the summer holidays and 4 sessions in the Winter holidays.
The length of the session will depend on which provider you choose, but each session will be a minimum of 4 hours long. One session = One HAF credit.
The first time you use the booking system you will be required to create an account. Once you have access to the booking system, you will be able to search for a suitable HAF provider and make bookings for your child/children. A separate booking needs to be made for each child you wish to attend your selected activity.
Guidance on how to use the booking system (PDF, 693KB)
You will require your child’s HAF code to register, this will be the same code you have used previously. If you do not have your HAF code, please check your award letter from the Free School Meal Team in the first instance. If the letter does not show your HAF code, you can ask your child’s school office or email us at haf@westsussex.gov.uk.
If you require support to access the internet or to complete the registration form, you can find this by visiting your local Family Hub.
Book here:
West Sussex Events (bookinglab.co.uk)
