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Gloucester Academy

Free School Meal Provision

14 January 2021 - RE: Free School Meal Provision

Dear Parents and Carers

As you may well have read in the news, the provision of Free School Meals has been under discussion.

Presently our catering providers, Caterlink, have been responsible for providing food hampers to distribute to those who have requested them.  I would like to thank the Catering team at Gloucester Academy for this provision.

Students Attending School

Free School Meals are there to provide a meal option for all students who attend school, including those who may not under normal circumstances be eligible.  Therefore, we will provide a lunchtime meal for all students on site free of charge.  From Monday 18th January 2021 there will be a choice of one main substantial cooked meal (with a vegetarian option), a dessert, and a drink.

Students Staying at Home

During the national lockdown, we will continue to support those students who are eligible for benefits related free school meals. Who are working online at home. The Department for Education (DFE) national voucher scheme reopens from 18th January 2021, and we will be reverting to this. Meaning that we will no longer be distributing food hampers.  We believe this is the best solution, giving parents and carers the choice to purchase the food they know is best for their child.  The value of the vouchers will be up to £15 per child per week. 

These vouchers will be distributed by the parental email address on our system.  We still have a handful of missing email addresses.  If you need support in setting up an email address, please look our website for guidance on setting up a GMAIL account HERE.  If you are unsure if we have your correct details please check on the SIMS app or contact cgasher@gloucesteracademy.co.uk

GA FoodHall

Additionally, we also recognise that there are many financial challenges being imposed on families at present.  For this reason, we have set up a free provision for families to take advantage of.  This is based on site at the school, read more here

As ever, please do contact us if we can be of any help.  Many thanks for supporting your child’s online learning.  Stay safe.

Yours faithfully

Mr J Heap

Headteacher