You can only apply to claim freeschoolmeals If your child is attends a maintained nursery school or class. To be eligible they must attend for a full day and must you get one of the qualifying benefits.
Children attending a private nursery are not entitled to freeschoolmeals.
Maintained nursery
If you get the maximum amount of Working Tax Credit or your children are entitled to freeschoolmeals, they could get freeschool transport if they:
Attend a school other than the nearest secondary school on the grounds of religion or belief if the school attended is the nearest of your religion
the maximum amount of Working Tax Credit* or your children are entitled to freeschoolmeals, they could get freeschool transport if they:
Are over 8 years old, attend the nearest suitable primary school and the distance from home is 2 miles or more
Are in secondary school, attend one of their three