Dear Parents/Carers
Firstly, I’d like to apologise for the length of this message regarding Free School Meal (FSM) provision. We have incorporated a lengthy frequently asked question (FAQ) section that we felt would prove to be useful to all. Please also forgive us if you receive or see this message multiple times, we need to reach all parents eligible for FSMs so this communication will be going out via text, email and social media.
Our delivery and pick up service will stop on the 20th April and Forge will be using the Government voucher system provided by Edenred. This service will continue for the foreseeable future and each FSM child is entitled to £15 per week. We are working hard this week to set the system up and hope to have the first voucher with you early in the week commencing 20th April. We are planning to have vouchers for you every Monday thereafter. However, please be patient, this is a new system and we are beholden to the administrators, Edenred, to send the codes out.
In the email that you receive, you will get an eCode that you need to exchange for a voucher. All of the details on how to do this are in the FAQ section below:
1. What’s the difference between an eCode and an eGift card?
eCode – this is the 16 digit code which will be sent to you. You’ll need this code to access www.freeschoolmeals.co.uk and choose your supermarket eGift card. You cannot use the eCode directly with the retailer, it must be exchanged for an eGift card.
eGift card – each supermarket has its own eGift card. To order your eGift, redeem your eCode at www.freeschoolmeals.co.uk. The eGift card will be sent to the email address entered during check-out and can be spent in-store at the chosen supermarket.
2. How do I use my eCode to select a supermarket eGift card?
We recommend ordering your supermarket eGift at home before going to the store. To select your supermarket eGift card, follow the steps below:
3. What supermarkets can I pick from?
The below supermarkets are available:
4. How do I know what the value of the eCode is?
This is stated in the email sent to you by the school.
5. Do I have to use the full value of the eCode when choosing my eGift card(s)?
Yes – your balance will be visible on the webpage.
6. Can I choose to redeem my eCode at more than one supermarket?
You can mix and match different supermarket retailers within the same order, provided the total value you’ve chosen for each is equal to the total value of the eCode you’ve entered. For example, with a £10 eCode, you could choose £5 for Tesco and £5 for Sainsbury’s.
Simply enter the value you would like to order on each supermarket eGift card and your balance will update so you know how much you have left.
Please note that the full value of the eCode needs to be redeemed in one transaction, you cannot redeem a partial value of the code and save the rest for later.
Most supermarkets accept multiples of £1 or 1p per eGift card, however some other supermarkets have larger fixed amounts that can be ordered, e.g £10.
7. How long do I have to redeem the eCode?
Your eCode will expire after 1 month.
8. What happens if my eCode has expired?
The eCode is cancelled and the money associated is then returned to the Department for Education.
9. What can I purchase in-store with the eGift card?
The eGift card is issued to you in respect of the free school meal benefit and will only be accepted in store for the purchase of food and groceries.
10. How do I know what the value of the eGift card is?
The value will be present on the eGift card itself.
11. How do I use a supermarket eGift card?
A supermarket eGift card is a digital voucher. The eGift card email contains a link to a barcode which can be presented at the till in-store either on a smartphone screen or printed on a piece of paper, just like a gift card. Some eGift cards can be used to purchase online. Please see Q13.
12. How long does the supermarket eGift card last for?
For more T&Cs, please refer to the supermarket’s website.
13. Can the vouchers be used in-store and online?
For more T&C’s, please refer to the supermarket’s website.
14. My school has ordered an eCode for me, but it hasn’t come through to my email?
Firstly, check your junk mail. If it still hasn’t arrived within 3 hours, please contact Forge to ensure that they have your correct email address. If necessary, we can cancel the previously sent eCode and resend to your correct email address. If this still doesn’t work, we can contact Edenred.
15. I have ordered an eGift card, but it hasn’t come through to my email?
Firstly, check your junk mail folder and trash.
You will receive two emails – one will be a confirmation or your order and the other will be the eGift card itself. If your order confirmation email has arrived, then your eGift card is in a queue and is on its way. If you’ve received neither emails, it is possible that you have entered your email address incorrectly at checkout. If you think this may be the case, please contact [email protected].
16. What happens if I have a smartphone but no data when I’m at the supermarket?
We suggest ordering your eGift card at home when connected to WiFi before you go to the supermarket. Take a screenshot of the eGift card barcode before going to the supermarket as this should still scan ok in-store.
17. I’m not able to get to the supermarket.
You can forward the supermarket eGift card to someone else to purchase goods on your behalf if you’re not able to get to the supermarket. The eGift card email contains a link to a barcode which can be presented at the till in-store, just like a gift card.
18. How often will I receive the supermarket voucher?
Forge has flexibility in how often we send you an eCode and we are planning to send weekly to arrive on a Monday. The eCode can be redeemed for a supermarket eGift card within 1 month. The eGift cards have different expiry dates – please see Q12 for further details.
19. I have more than one child, will I receive multiple eCodes?
Forge will send one eCode to you, for the total value of your childrens’ free school meal entitlement.
You can find the original FAQ document at the EdenRed website: https://bit.ly/2wDyu5S
I appreciate that there is a lot of information here but I have been reliably informed by other Principals that this process works well and is straightforward. If you encounter any problems or struggle to access this scheme, please email [email protected], message us on Facebook or call the Academy on 01384 566 598 and press the option for finance.
This is a time when we all need to look after each other and I’ve been heartened and humbled by the many messages that I’ve received from our community. If you are struggling in any way, please get in touch – we will try and signpost and support in any way we can.
Please take care and stay safe.
Yours faithfully,
Dr Lisa Mason
Principal
Ormiston Forge Academy
Don’t forget:
Wash your hands
Cough/sneeze into your elbow
Don’t touch your face
Stay more than 6ft (2m) away from others
Stay home if you feel sick
Please follow Government advice by washing your hands frequently and reduce your social interactions – here’s some Government guidance on social distancing: https://bit.ly/2UxH51F