# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Breakfast Club: Breakfast Club | Abercarn Primary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Who can claim?

Free school meals are available to eligible pupils who attend school full-time. This includes:

Younger children who attend nursery for full days

Sixth form school pupils

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

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Guarantee element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

to 31 March 2019, Universal Credit - This was done as a temporary measure, pending the development of new eligibility criteria

from 1 April 2019, Universal Credit - provided your household has an annualised net earned income (Net earned income is defined as household income after taxes and deductions. It does not include income from Universal Credit or other benefits) of no more than £7,400 ( as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)

If your children receive Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance in their own right, they could also be able to receive free school meals.

For children/young people to be eligible to receive free school meals:

you, as a parent, or your child, must receive the relevant benefit or support payment

you should have submitted an application for free school meals to the local authority (or an application should have been submitted on your behalf)

the application should have been approved by the local authority, or documents should have been seen by the local authority which strongly indicate your child is eligible.

Nursery - aged children

Nursery aged children who attend before and after lunch sessions at a local authority nursery school or nursery class may be eligible for free school meals.

How to claim

The quickest and easiest way is to apply online.
Due to a large increase in the number of forms that we are currently receiving, applications are taking longer to process currently. Apply for free school meals Please note, this form will not work from within Internet Explorer. Please use a more modern browser such as Edge, Chrome or Safari
This link will direct you to Caerphilly Connect. Register now or log in to report, apply and pay for services. If you do not wish to create an account click 'Continue without registering'. Please check your spam/junk mail folder for account activation and notification emails that we send you!

You can also apply by post using a printable application form. These forms are available from your school.

You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your claim within 10 working days.

If you are eligible for free school meals, the school will be notified that your child can have free school meals. Schools will ensure that this information is treated with the strictest confidence and handled sensitively.

What if my circumstances change?

You must tell us if:

You start work and come off benefits

Your benefit changes

If you do not tell us of any changes to your benefit this may mean you have to pay for any meals provided whilst you were not eligible.

You must complete a new application form if:

You change address

You have another child starting school for the first time

Report a change in circumstances
Do I need to re-apply every year?

If you are already claiming free school meals for your child you do not need to re-apply every year.

Even if your child moves to another school in the borough, the new school will be advised of your entitlement as soon as admission to the new school has been accepted.

The School Essentials Grant (Replaces PDG Access Grant) 2023/2024

This grant provides £125 (except for year 7 which is £200) to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit, and kit for activities outside of school for your child.

The scheme for the 2023/24 academic year will begin on 1 July 2023 and end on 31 May 2024.

This grant applies to all eligible pupils of compulsory year groups (Reception - Year 11), Looked After Children, and those who are classed as No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

This funding is for pupils currently eligible for free school meals and does not extend to pupils who receive free school meals under the transitional protection or universal primary free school meal scheme.

If you believe you are eligible for Free Schools Meals and have not already submitted an application, then please complete our online Free School Meal application form above.

If you have any queries relating to this 2023/24 grant please e-mail schoolessentialsgrant@caerphilly.gov.uk or call our Catering Support Team on 01443 864055

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The place to find services and information provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council and its partners.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kids Eat Free in Cafe Terms and Conditions | Morrisons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read our kids eat free in cafe terms and conditions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kids Eat Free at Tesco - Kids Cafe Menu - Tesco Café

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take advantage of Tesco’s kids eat free scheme; available in Tesco Cafés when an adult makes a purchase with a Clubcard. Find your nearest store today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Thanks to this week's volunteers

Andrew TAMPLIN

Cathryn SANDERS

David SANDERS

Gaynor PENROSE

Joshua BILTON

Julie OWEN

Kevin Charles BOOTH

Liz BURKEY

Owen RICHARDS

Peter ANTHONY

Rhian NOWELL-PHILLIPS

Rich BELBIN

Richard PENROSE

Sara BILTON

Sari ROBINSON

Terri BOOTH

See our volunteer page for information on how you can get involved.
Upcoming

Coed Cefn-pwll-du parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9:00am.

Other parkruns nearby

Llanishen Park (4.9m), Newport (5.2m), Penallta (5.8m), Riverfront (6.3m), Cwmbran (7.0m), Cardiff (7.1m), Tremorfa (7.3m), Aberbeeg (8.2m), Pontypridd (8.5m), Trelai Park (8.7m)

Tips

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Andrew TAMPLIN Cathryn SANDERS David SANDERS Gaynor PENROSE Joshua BILTON Julie OWEN Kevin Charles BOOTH Liz BURKEY Owen RICHARDS Peter ANTHONY Rhian NOWELL-PHILLIPS Rich BELBIN Richard PENROSE Sara BILTON Sari ROBINSON Terri BOOTH See our volunteer page for information on how you can get involved. Coed Cefn-pwll-du parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9:00am.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whatever your goals or current fitness level, our fitness suites incorporate a comprehensive range of fitness equipment specifically designed to meet all your fitness and exercise requirements. Our facilities include cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, cross-trainers, bikes, steppers and rowing machines and a range of resistance machines for all muscle groups. Expert advice from our […]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As part of our Care Closer to Home strategy, we offer a number of expert healthcare services in your local community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Parent Guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out what OCD is, how it might impact your child’s mental health, what help and treatment is available and how you can support your child at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Specialist CAMHS is the specialist mental health service for children and young people under the age of 18 years living in Gwent, covering the five boroughs of Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Caerphilly team provides help and advice to voluntary and community organisations to help increase their resilience and develop a thriving third sector. The borough is diverse and the information ranges widely to include volunteering, development, health and social care and early language.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources and activities for Children’s Mental Health Week

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take a look at all our resources activities for schools and families, as well as resources to help you fundraise and take part in the week!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Children of families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits, those seeking asylum and children in care can claim £125 per year to help with school costs. Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7. It could also mean extra funding for your school.

There's still time to check eligibility and apply for this year's funding now before applications close on 31 May.

You can apply every year for each of your children. Pupils from all kinds of education settings are eligible as long as they are aged 4 (in Reception) to 16. This applies to pupils in all schools and settings, including special schools and pupil referral units.

Headteacher of Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran, Steffan Jones, explained how the grant helps pupils at his school:

You want every child to be treated the same, and you want every child to have the same experiences. These grants do help, so that all children can get involved and enjoy their time at school, not just those who can afford it.

The grant can be used to pay for:

school uniform, including coats and shoes

school activities, like learning a musical instrument, sports kit and equipment for after school activities

classroom essentials, like pens, pencils and bags

Even if your child already receives a Free School Meal, you still need to check eligibility to access the School Essentials Grant and extra funding for your school. To find out more about the Schools Essentials Grant and to check eligibility, visit Get help with school costs | GOV.WALES.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Don't miss out on help with school essentials | GOV.WALES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
88% of those eligible have claimed their free School Essentials grant to help with costs like school uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit and equipment. Have you claimed yours?

# data[].attributes.headline
Aneurin Bevan Health Board - Children's Healthcare Services

# data[].attributes.subject
Aneurin Bevan Health Board - Children's Healthcare Services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We put our customers at the heart of everything we do. That means being here when you need us most, giving you help, advice, and support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Emergency Assistance Payment

Between 1 May 2020 to 31 March 2023, you can get no more than 5 grants in a year (rolling 12 months).

Use this service to:

apply for an Emergency Assistance Payment

apply for an Individual Assistance Payment

apply on behalf of someone else (registered partners only)

Before you start

You cannot apply for a grant if you have:

already received a grant in the last 28 days (or in the last 7 days if you are impacted by COVID or are on Universal Credit and are experiencing financial hardship)

already received 3 grants in the last year (or 5 grants if you're in receipt of Universal Credit or impacted by coronavirus)

You can also apply by:

post

phone 0800 859 5924 (between 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday) (Croesawir galwadau yn Gymraeg / Calls are welcomed in Welsh)

getting help from one of our partner organisations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Between 1 May 2020 to 31 March 2023, you can get no more than 5 grants in a year (rolling 12 months).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
National Energy Action Cymru works in Wales for National Energy Action. Through campaigning and advice, it helps those in fuel poverty.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gwent Citizen Panel Weekly Burst: October 2nd - 6th

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Visit the Gwent Regional Partnership Board website here: Bwrdd Partneriath Rhanbarthol Gwent | Gwent Regional Partnership Board (gwentrpb.wales)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents Mental Health Support | Advice for Your Child

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Practical tips, advice and where you can get help if your child or teenager is struggling with their mood, feelings, or their behaviour seems different.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
GDAS believes that the families and loved ones of people who use substances including alcohol need as much support as the substance user themselves. This can include direct family, carers, neighbours, friends, support staff and anyone else in the network around the person affected. Below are services that can offer you support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
GDAS believes that the families and loved ones of people who use substances including alcohol need as much support as the substance user themselves. This can include direct family, carers, neighbours, friends, support staff and anyone else in the network around the person affected. Families and Care

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Providing help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence

Talk to us now

If you, a family member a friend, or someone you are concerned about has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline 24 hours a day 7 days a week, for free advice and support or to talk through your options.

Get in touch with Live Fear Free advisors free of charge by phone, online chat, text or email.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Providing help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Providing help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence

Talk to us now

If you, a family member a friend, or someone you are concerned about has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline 24 hours a day 7 days a week, for free advice and support or to talk through your options.

Get in touch with Live Fear Free advisors free of charge by phone, online chat, text or email.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Providing help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

# data[].attributes.headline
EYST - Ethnic Minority and Youth Support Team

# data[].attributes.subject
EYST - Ethnic Minority and Youth Support Team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Emergency Assistance Payment

Between 1 May 2020 to 31 March 2023, you can get no more than 5 grants in a year (rolling 12 months).

Use this service to:

apply for an Emergency Assistance Payment

apply for an Individual Assistance Payment

apply on behalf of someone else (registered partners only)

Before you start

You cannot apply for a grant if you have:

already received a grant in the last 28 days (or in the last 7 days if you are impacted by COVID or are on Universal Credit and are experiencing financial hardship)

already received 3 grants in the last year (or 5 grants if you're in receipt of Universal Credit or impacted by coronavirus)

You can also apply by:

post

phone 0800 859 5924 (between 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday) (Croesawir galwadau yn Gymraeg / Calls are welcomed in Welsh)

getting help from one of our partner organisations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Between 1 May 2020 to 31 March 2023, you can get no more than 5 grants in a year (rolling 12 months).

# data[].attributes.body
This webpage provides information on the suitability of various apps and platforms that your children may be familiar with.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The guides include a detailed overview of the app, outlining the age rating and key terminology. They also highlight the risks each app poses to young people and give detailed instructions on how to enable parental controls and safety settings.

This guide can also help parents and carers have a conversation with their child about a sensitive issue.

If you, a family member or friend requires help to develop your basic digital skills, use a device and/or access the internet, you can find support here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This collection of guides provides parents and carers with key information about the most popular social media and gaming apps children and young people are using today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Parents Need to Know About TikTok.pdf

# data[].attributes.headline
Parent information - the dark web explained

# data[].attributes.subject
Parent information - the dark web explained

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is Your Child Ready for Social Media?.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Parents Need to Know About Instagram.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Parents Need to Know About Facebook.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Parents Need to Know About Minecraft.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Parents Need to Know About WeChat.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Parents Need to Know About Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Parents Need to Know About Facebook Messenger.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
Support and Activities are on offer at The Serennu Centre for children with a range of Additional Needs. Please see their website for details.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Serennu | Sparkle, helping special children shine

# data[].attributes.body
Both schools in the Partnership have achieved the ASD Friendly School Award. Please see this link for further information about Autism.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Niwrowahaniaeth Cymru | Neurodivergence Wales | National Neurodivergence Team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents & carers - Niwrowahaniaeth Cymru | Neurodivergence Wales | National Neurodivergence Team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The resources within this section were developed in partnership with neurodivergent people, parents and carers and professionals. The resources are aimed at increasing the knowledge, skills, understanding of neurodivergence and practical tools for parents and carers of neurodivergent people. What is…? What is Autism? This section helps to build a better understanding of autism. A […]

# data[].attributes.headline
Training for Parents and Carers | Elklan Training Ltd

# data[].attributes.subject
Training for Parents and Carers | Elklan Training Ltd

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We offer a range of practical Let's Talk training courses to suit parents and carers.

These can be completed directly through us or with one of our Elklan-trained tutors.

When you attend one of our Let's Talk courses, you will receive:

Courses we offer

Choose an option to find out more and apply online:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Training for Parents and Carers | Elklan Training Limited

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We offer a range of practical Let's Talk training courses to suit parents and carers. These can be completed directly through us or with one of our Elklan-trained tutors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ADHD Support For Your Child | Parents Advice Guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your child is struggling to manage their ADHD, read our tips on what you can do to support them, how to get a diagnosis and where to find help.

# data[].attributes.body
We are fortunate to have all two of the Abercarn Ward Councillors on our Governing Body.

Please see the links below for more information about them.

# data[].attributes.body
https://democracy.caerphilly.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=56&LLL=0

# data[].attributes.body
https://democracy.caerphilly.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=676&LLL=0