Family Support

At St. Michael's we understand that many children and families experience difficult times which can make a happy, successful school and home life a struggle.  

If you do have any worries or concerns about your child, at school or at home, please do not hesitate to speak to your child's class teacher, or a member of the Leadership Team, who can work with you to support you with any issues.

Below are further links and information which we hope may provide you and your family with further information and support if needed.

Free School Meals

Did you know that schools receive additional funding to support your child if they are eligible for Free School Meals?                                                       

To check your eligibility and to apply for Free School Meals: 

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/at-school/free-school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx


If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, they will automatically receive a free school meal, but by registering your eligibility, the school will receive additional funding.


Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

Healthy Start Food Vouchers

"If you are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old you could be entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers worth £4.25 per child per week (£8.50 if under 1) to spend on milk, plain fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, and instant formula milk. You can also use them to buy pulses and canned fruit and vegetables as long as they have no fat, salt, sugar or other flavouring added. The vouchers can be redeemed at local retailers.

If you are entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers you will also get free vitamins designed to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.

To be eligible you should be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits. Check your eligibility now. Pregnant under 18 years olds qualify whether or not they are entitled to a qualifying benefit.

There are over 5,000 pregnant women and young children missing out on £221-£442 per child per year to spend on healthy food, so it’s important to be aware of this useful source of support.

Take-up of the vouchers is very low, around 45 percent of those eligible, so it is important to check eligibility as soon as possible to prevent missing out. Application leaflets are available from GP’s surgeries or baby clinics. Alternatively, a form can be obtained by ringing 0345 607 6823 or by downloading and printing one from www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-vouchers/how-to-apply/"

Family support.docx

Full Time Meals

Tom Kerridge

"We want to help give children and families the skills and confidence to cook good, proper food in their own kitchens, using the equipment available to them. Encouraging them to be creative, have fun and spend valuable time together cooking and eating.

 I have created 52, pocket friendly and seriously tasty recipes that the whole family can cook – dishes to fill hungry tummies.  These recipes are simple and easy to follow with emphasis on limited equipment and inclusion of store cupboard goods with a longer shelf life. Every Sunday morning, we will launch a new cook-along video on our Instagram page. Follow @FullTimeMeals to access all cook-along videos featuring myself, Marcus and famous friends"

Bishop's Stortford Food Bank

"Many people are struggling financially at the moment, including the families of children receiving free school meals. Our message is clear, if you are in food crisis for any reason, we are here for you.  We have the food, the funds, the volunteers and the organisation to help anyone that needs food this half term and beyond!  All you have to do is contact one of the agencies who work with us - like Citizens Advice - and we will sort you out!"

Our school can also make a referral on your behalf so please do get in touch if you concerned. 

Citizens Advice East Herts

"We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people’s lives. Our vision is that everyone has access to free advice to help them find a way forward. We’re an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales. Whatever your problem, no matter how big or small, we are here to help you find a way forward."