School Meals
Support for special dietary requirements
Special dietary requirements can be catered for upon request.
Medically prescribed diets
For example: allergies, diabetic (carb-counted) diets.
Complete the Medically Prescribed diet request form and return it to the address shown on the form.
Make sure section B is completed by a medical professional, or include a recent medical letter confirming the diagnosis and required diet.
Religious, cultural or ethical diets
Complete the online religions, cultural or ethical diets form.
Changes to dietary requirements
If your child’s dietary needs change, complete the applicable form again.
Or, complete the remove special dietary requirements form to remove dietary requirements.
Need help?
To request special diet support contact our catering team
Call: 01437 764551
Email: special.diets@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
If you’re unsure about menus or dietary needs, please get in touch.
Further information can be found here:
Pembrokeshire.gov.uk/help-with-school-meals-and-costs/school-menus-and-special-dietary-requirements
Free school meals
From the 30th March, we will no longer be accepting paper copies of the Free School Meal application form.
The link below can be used to direct parents/carers to the FSM overview page at Pembrokeshire County Council Website.
Overview - Pembrokeshire County Council
If a parent/carer is unable to complete an application form online, please call the contact centre and one of the FSM team will complete the form over the phone - 01437 764551
Help with school meals and school costs
You may be able to get help with the cost of school meals and other essentials. There are three main types of support:
Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM)
- What it means: Free school meals for all full-time primary school pupils in Wales.
- Who gets it: Every child in full-time primary school, regardless of income.
- Do you need to apply? No. Your child will automatically get these meals.
- Important: UPFSM does not give you access to the School Essentials Grant. To get extra help with school costs you will need to apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM), even if your child receives UPFSM.
Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM)
- What it means: Free school meals based on your household income or benefits.
- Who gets it: Children who are full-time in primary or secondary school whose families meet certain criteria.
- Do you need to apply? Yes. Even if your child already gets Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM), you should apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) to unlock extra support.
- Why apply? If you qualify, you’ll also get access to the School Essentials Grant.
School Essentials Grant
- What it means: A payment to help with school costs like uniform, shoes, sports kit, and equipment.
- Who gets it: Families whose children are of compulsory school age and qualify for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) and children looked after.
- How much: £200 for children entering Year 7, £125 for all other school years (Reception - Year 11).
- Do you need to apply? Yes. You automatically apply at the same time as Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM).
- Important: You only need to do one application for both eFSM and the School Essentials Grant.
Why it’s worth applying
Even if your child already gets Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) in primary school, applying for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) can give you access to:
- The School Essentials Grant (to help with uniform, kit, and more)
- Extra funding for your child’s school to support their learning
- Free school meals in secondary school
Comparison table
Feature |
UPFSM (Universal) |
eFSM (Eligible) |
|
Who gets it? |
All full-time primary pupils |
Based on income/benefits |
|
Application needed? |
No |
Yes |
|
Available in secondary school? |
No |
Yes |
|
Unlocks School Essentials Grant? |
No |
Yes |
Apply for Eligible Free School Meals and the School Essentials Grant