At Bushey Primary Education Federation, we understand that family life can bring financial challenges, sometimes unexpectedly and sometimes over a longer period. We also recognise that talking about money, particularly when things are difficult, is not always easy. It can feel uncomfortable or even embarrassing to ask for help, especially when you are doing everything you can to provide for your family.

Please be assured that we will never sit in judgement.

We are a community of teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and parents ourselves - so none of us in highly paid jobs. Many of us know from personal experience what it is like to manage a family budget, particularly when children are young and every penny matters. We understand that circumstances change, that unexpected expenses arise and that even families who are managing well can sometimes find themselves under financial pressure.

We also recognise that the rising costs of everyday life have made things particularly challenging for many families.

Making school experiences accessible to everyone

We are enormously proud of the rich and varied experiences we offer our children across Bushey & Oxhey Infant School and Bushey Manor Junior School. School trips, residential visits, theatre performances, sporting opportunities, creative activities and special events all contribute to the memorable, joyful and enriching experience of primary education that we want every child to enjoy.

We are equally conscious that these opportunities can come at a cost.

We appreciate the financial sacrifices that families sometimes make to ensure their children can participate, and we are genuinely grateful for the support you give to our enrichment programme, our schools and our PTA.

We work hard to keep costs reasonable, to make use of free or subsidised opportunities wherever possible and to plan activities carefully so that we are not placing unnecessary financial demands on families.

Above all, we never want a child to miss out on an opportunity because their family is experiencing financial difficulties.

If the cost of a school trip, residential visit, uniform, school event or PTA activity is causing concern, please talk to us. There may be financial assistance available, or we may be able to agree alternative payment arrangements, including smaller instalments over a longer period.

You do not need to wait until a payment deadline has passed or a difficulty has become overwhelming.

Any conversation will be treated with sensitivity, discretion and the strictest confidence, shared only with those who need to know in order to arrange appropriate support. There is no judgement, no embarrassment and certainly no expectation that you should have to explain more than is necessary.

We would always rather have a quiet conversation and find a way forward together than discover that a child has missed an experience because their family felt unable to ask.

Pupil Premium – additional funding to support children and families

One important way in which we can support children is through the Pupil Premium grant, this is additional government funding provided to schools to help improve educational opportunities and outcomes for eligible pupils.

Pupil Premium is not a reflection of a child's ability, nor does it mean that a family is struggling or that a child is falling behind. It is simply a means of ensuring that schools have additional resources to help children thrive.

At our Federation, Pupil Premium funding contributes to our wider commitment to inclusion, opportunity and achievement. Depending on individual circumstances and the school's funding arrangements, this can include support with:

• Educational visits, enrichment activities and residential experiences.

• Access to additional learning opportunities, resources and targeted academic support.

• Pastoral care, emotional wellbeing and support for children's wider development.

• Participation in activities that build confidence, independence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

We want families to understand that registering for Pupil Premium can make a real difference, both to their child's opportunities and to the resources available to our schools.

How can I find out whether my child is eligible?

If you receive certain benefits, including some families receiving Universal Credit, your child may qualify for benefits-related Free School Meals. This can also enable the school to receive Pupil Premium funding.

In Hertfordshire, families can check their eligibility and apply through Hertfordshire County Council. The process is confidential, and applying does not mean that your child will be identified or treated differently from their classmates.

Even if your child already receives a free school lunch because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, it is still important to register if you may qualify for benefits-related Free School Meals. This is a separate entitlement and can unlock valuable additional funding for their education.

Eligibility is not always obvious, and circumstances can change. We would encourage families to check rather than assume they will not qualify.

Please talk to us – we are here to help

Asking for support is never something to be ashamed of.

You do not need to be receiving benefits or qualify for Pupil Premium to speak to us about financial concerns. We know that there are families who fall outside formal eligibility criteria but who are nevertheless finding things difficult.

Whether you need help with a residential payment, support with uniform costs, a little more time to pay for a school event, or simply want to explore what might be possible, please contact our school office and ask to speak privately with a member of the senior leadership team or our School Business Manager.

We will listen, treat your circumstances with respect and do our very best to help.

Our commitment is simple: no child should feel different, excluded or disadvantaged because of their family's financial circumstances.

We are a school community, and looking after one another is part of what makes that community special. Our values of Aspiration, Respect and Kindness are not simply words displayed around our schools. They are principles that guide how we care for our children and their families, particularly when life becomes a little more challenging.

Free School Meals and Pupil Premium – what's changed in school year 2026/2027?

From September 2026, you may have heard that the government has extended Free School Meals to all children whose families receive Universal Credit, regardless of their household earnings.

There are now two categories:

Targeted Free School Meals: Generally, for families receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, alongside other qualifying circumstances. Children in this category may also attract additional Pupil Premium funding for their school.

Expanded Free School Meals: For families receiving Universal Credit whose earnings are above the £7,400 threshold. Children in this category are entitled to free school meals, although this new entitlement alone does not generate additional Pupil Premium funding.

Both arrangements can make a meaningful difference to families, and we encourage everyone who might qualify to apply.

For 2026–27, eligible primary-aged pupils can attract £1,550 per year in Pupil Premium funding for their school. This funding is used to strengthen educational provision and help remove barriers to learning and participation.

Families qualifying for Targeted Free School Meals may also be able to access additional Hertfordshire support, including:

• HAPpy Holiday Activity Programme: Fully funded holiday activities, including food, for eligible children.

• Free school milk: Available to children qualifying for Targeted Free School Meals.

• Herts Card: Discounts on activities and opportunities for eligible children and young people.

• SaverCard: Eligible children in Year 3 and above may qualify for reduced-cost bus travel.

• Music tuition support: Financial assistance towards instrumental or vocal lessons, subject to Hertfordshire Music Service eligibility criteria.

How to apply

Applications are made through Hertfordshire County Council's website and usually take around five minutes. You will need your National Insurance number or Home Office reference number.

Check your eligibility and apply for Free School Meals through Hertfordshire County Council - website link below. 

Please remember that children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 already receive a free school lunch under the universal infant scheme, but families who may qualify for benefits-related support should still register separately.

If you are uncertain about your eligibility or would appreciate some help completing the application, please contact our school office. We will be very happy to help you through the process, privately and without judgement.