National Free School Voucher Scheme

The National Free School Meal Voucher Scheme is now in the process of being set up, once we have collated parent emails for those pupils who are eligible by benefit-related free school meals, parents will start to receive weekly E-Codes which will be sent to their chosen email address they provided to school.

When you receive your 16 digit E-Code, you will need to access www.freeschoolmeals.co.uk to choose your preferred supermarket E-Gift card which will be worth £15.00. You will not be able to use the E-Code directly with retailers, it must be exchanged for an E-Gift card.

Parent & Carer FAQ’s

How do I use my E-code to select a supermarket E-Gift Card?

1. Copy the code from your email
2. Go to www.freeschoolmeals.co.uk
3. Enter the 16 digit E-Code (you can enter more than one if you have more than one to redeem)
4. Select your preferred supermarket
5. Enter the amount and add to basket
6. Checkout and enter the email address you would like the E-Gift card sent to
7. Your E-Gift card will be processed and sent (please allow up to 3 hours for it to be delivered to your inbox)

What Supermarkets can I pick from?

• Morrisons
• Tesco
• Sainsbury’s
• Asda
• Waitrose (John Lewis)
• M&S Food

How do I know what the value of the E-Code is?

The value will be stated in the email sent to you by school. This has been set at £15.00 per week for one child. If you have two children attending school you may receive one E-Code at £30.00 or two E-Codes at £15.00

Do I have to use the full value of the E-Code when choosing my E-Gift card?

Yes, your balance will be visible on the webpage

Can I choose to redeem my E-Code at more than one supermarket?

1. Yes you can mix and match different supermarket retailers within the same order provided that the total you have chosen for each is equal to the value of the E-Code you have entered. For example, a £15.00 E-Code, you could choose £10.00 Tesco and £5.00 Sainsbury’s
2. Simply enter the value you would like to order on each supermarket E-Gift card and your balance will update automatically

How long do I have to redeem the E-Code? And what happens if my E-Code has expired?

1. Your E-Code will expire after 1 month
2. If your E-Code has expired, it will be cancelled and the money associated is then returned to the Department of Education

What can I purchase in-store with the E-Gift Card?

The E-Gift card is issued to you in respect of the Free School Meal benefit and will only be accepted for the purchase of food and groceries

How do I use a supermarket E-Gift card?

1. A supermarket E-Gift card is a digital voucher. It contains a link to a barcode which can be presented at the till in-store on a smartphone screen or printed piece of paper
2. Some E-Gift cards can be used to purchase online groceries please see the table below:

My School has ordered an E-Code for me, but is hasn’t come through to my email?

1. Check your Junk / Spam / Clutter mail
2. If this still hasn’t arrived within 3 hours, please contact us via enquiries@victoria.bham.sch.uk
3.  We can cancel the previously sent E-Code and resend to your correct email address

I have ordered an E-Gift Card and it hasn’t come through to my Email?

1. Check your Junk / Spam / Clutter mail
2. You will receive two emails – one will be a confirmation order and the second email will be the E-Code. If your order confirmation email has arrived, then your E-Card is in a queue and is on its way.
3. If you have received neither emails, it is possible that you have entered your email address incorrectly at checkout. If you think this maybe the case, please contact freeschoolmealsparentscarers@edenred.com

I am not able to get to the supermarket?

You can forward the supermarket E-Gift card to someone else to purchase goods on your behalf if you are unable to get to the supermarket. The E-Gift card email contains a link to a barcode which can be presented at the till in-store.