Free School Meals/School Uniform/Physical Education Clothing Allowance 2020-21
The Education Authority (EA) has been continuing to process applications for Free School Meals /
Uniform Grants / Physical Education Clothing allowances throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. With
the new academic year approaching the EA wish to provide an update on 2020/21 applications as follows:
Current Eligible Families
Parents/guardians who are currently in receipt of support for the 2019/20 school year will receive
a pre-populated application form from EA, which they are required to complete and return as soon
as possible to help avoid any delays. Forms to begin arriving week commencing 6 July 2020.
New Applicants
This year we have also introduced a new online application form for new applicants.
Parents/guardians will be required to complete the form and upload supporting documentation to
verify they are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits. Both the paper based form and online
form are accessible from the EA website – https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals-uniform-grants
Applicants can also request an application form from the Meals and Uniform Section (contact details
below).
Parents/Guardians whose child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs (Stage 5) and requires
a special diet should contact the Meals and Uniform Section if they wish to apply under the special
diet criteria.
It is important that a school should not give free school meals to any pupil until the Education
Authority issues authorisation.
The Education Authority continues to seek your support to promote awareness of Free School Meals
and Clothing Allowances and to encourage all potential applicants to apply for the support available.
Further information including eligibility criteria for the 2020-21 school year can be accessed by
logging onto https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals-uniform-grants
Cookstown High School, Coolnafranky Estate, Molesworth St, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone BT80 8PQ | Phone: 028 8676 3620