What help can I get?

If your family is on a low income, you may be able to get help with the following:

Free school meals

School meals are the tastier option, providing children with a healthy and nutritious hot meal at lunchtime.

Research shows that a school dinner can improve concentration levels in children, helping them to get the best out of their education.

There are plenty of interesting recipes which are changed regularly, offering lots of choice and encouraging children to try new food. And because locally-sourced produce is used wherever possible, school meals help our local farmers too.

To find out more about school meals and view some sample menus, visit www.hertsdirect.org/catering

Nursery children who qualify for free school meals will be provided with free meals if they attend an all day nursery class. If they attend a morning or afternoon session they will only be entitled to free meals if they are provided as part of those sessions. Free mid-morning/afternoon snacks cannot be provided.

School clubs and trips

If your child receives free school meals, the school must provide a packed lunch or give your child money to buy a meal if your child goes on a school trip or attends a club/sports practice.

However they may not necessarily be given free snacks or drinks if they attend school clubs (e.g. breakfast clubs, after school clubs etc).

Travel costs

A Hertfordshire SaverCard enables a young person aged 11 to 18 to travel by bus for half the adult fare.

A Hertfordshire Student TrainCard enables young people aged 16 to 18 who are attending school sixth form or a Further Education college to purchase discounted season ticket train travel.

The SaverCard and TrainCard both cost £10 but if your family is on a low income you may qualify for them free of charge.

If your family is on a low income you may receive assistance with home to school transport.

Music fees

Completing an online application form will check your financial status for eligibility for help with music fees. If your eligibility is approved, it does not guarantee your child will receive a lesson or financial assistance. You should contact your child's school or music centre without delay to find out if lessons are available.

Cycle training

If your family is on a low income and receives certain benefits, you may be able to get 50% help with cycle training fees.

Other help

For information about other help that may be available, please follow the links on this page.