Free School Meals during school closure

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Vouchers issued directly by Padgate Academy

• Due to the third national lockdown, Padgate Academy will provide Free School Meal vouchers directly to parents/carers with an entitlement.  
• Instructions on how to redeem these vouchers are included within the email.  Please note that vouchers are redeemable online only and can only be spent in a Tesco store.
• If you have any problems redeeming these, please call  us on 01925 822632 or email info@padgateacademy.co.uk.

Vouchers issued directly by DFE

• We are awaiting further guidance from DFE, however it is anticpated that vouchers will be funded by DFE directly from the end of January 2021 and vouchers will be sent directly from their online system (Edenred) to the email address we have registered for you.  The value of the voucher is set by the DFE at £15 each week, per child.
• All parents/carers with an entitlement to Free School Meals will receive an email each week from Edenred containing an eCode.  You’ll need this code to redeem for an eGift card for a supermarket of your choosing (your email will provide a step by step guide on how to do this).  
• Some cards can be spent online and in-store, but some can only be spent in-store so please check carefully before ordering.  
• It is expected that the range of stores will include Aldi, Iceland, McColl’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, M&S and Company Shop Group.
• IMPORTANT - You cannot take your a 16-digit eCode and take this into supermarkets to spend them. Supermarkets cannot accept eCodes, parents must first exchange them online for supermarket eGift cards. 

What if I dont have an email address?

• The quickest and easiest way for you to receive your voucher is by email.  Please let us know if your email address has changed.  For parents/carers who do not have an email address, we will contact you directly to arrange for you to collect your voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions and Instructions for Redeeming your eCode

• We have included a few guides below for you, including an FAQ provided by DFE and instructions on how to redeem your eCode for an eGift that can be spent with the retailer.  
• We recommend all parents/carers with a current entitlement to read these guides as they explain the process and what to do if you have problems redeeming your eGift card.