Free school meals
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically entitled to free school meals, but parents and carers who are eligible for certain financial support may also be able to obtain free school meals for children at primary or secondary school. Read more information on qualifying for free school meals and how to apply.
FEAST holiday clubs
For help in the summer holidays, the Holiday Activity and Food programme, known locally as FEAST, will be providing a wide range of activities for children and young people in North Yorkshire. The activities are free to children on benefits-related free school meals and include a hot meal or packed lunch each day. Read more information about FEAST holiday clubs on the North Yorkshire Together website.
If you want to contact the FEAST team directly, please email hello@northyorkshiretogether.co.uk.
Government funding
Government funding is available to support childcare costs including tax free childcare which is for all working families with children under 12 years old (or under 17 for children with a disability).
- some two-year-old children are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare, depending on income and the receipt of certain benefits - see if you qualify for 15 hours of free childcare for two-year-olds
- children are automatically eligible for 15 hours of universal funding for up to 38 weeks per year the term after their third birthday - you do not need to apply for this, but you need to discuss and arrange this with your childcare provider
- in addition to the universal 15 hours of government funding, some families may be entitled to claim an extra 15 hours of childcare per week, bringing the total to 30 hours - this is known as Extended Entitlement government funding
- see further information on accessing support with your childcare costs, including tax credit, tax free childcare and government funding
- libraries offer a range of free events and activities for children and families - contact your local library to see what is on offer
Healthy Start scheme
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to NHS support to help you buy healthy food and milk. Find out more about the Healthy Start scheme on the NHS website.
The Family Fund
The Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising children and young people with disabilities or who are seriously ill. A range of grants are available which can cover essential items such as fridge, washing machines and clothing, as well as computers and sensory toys. Find out more from The Family Fund.
Healthy Schools and Early Years in North Yorkshire
Healthy Schools and Early Years in North Yorkshire have a range of information, advice and guidance available for parents, including cost saving and waste tips. Find out more on the Healthy Schools and Early Years in North Yorkshire website.