Free School Meals and Uniform Grant – September 2026

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Grants for the 2026/27 school year are now open via the Education Authority EA Connect online portal: https://connect.eani.org.uk/parent/Login .

You can access full details and apply online at:
https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/pupil-applications-and-grants/free-school-meals-and-uniform-grants/apply-for-free-school

Information is also available for families applying based on requirement of a special diet (including our SPIMS Special classes).

Important:
All parents must submit a new application each year — this includes families already receiving Free School Meals or Uniform Grants.

Eligibility

You may be entitled if you receive one of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
• Universal Credit (with net household earnings of £15,900 or less per year)
• Support as an Asylum Seeker through the Home Office ASAT

Apply Early – Avoid Delays

Please be aware:

• Applications submitted after the end of July may not be processed in time for the start of term.
• Free school meals cannot be provided until your application has been approved and confirmation has been received by the school.
• Processing times are longer during peak periods, particularly at the start of the school year.

Applying early will help ensure your child receives their entitlement from the very beginning of term.

Further guidance, including helpful step-by-step videos, is available here:
https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/pupil-applications-and-grants/free-school-meals-and-uniform-grants/free-school-meals

We strongly encourage everyone who may be eligible to apply without delay to ensure there is no disruption to your child’s meals at the start of the new school year.

Yours faithfully,

I. McKane
Principal