The department has been informed some parents have received an email stating the following:
‘As schools will be closing, if you're entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we'll make sure you're supported’.
The DfE has posted messages on social media warning parents that it is a scam, that the email is not from a local authority and urging them not to respond to it, and to delete immediately.
Bradford Council has shared the DfE message via its own social media channels. Schools are urged to be aware and share the warning with parents.
This is the text of the DfE message, should you want to copy and paste into your own communications to parents;
We have been informed some parents have received an email stating the following:
‘As schools will be closing, if you're entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we'll make sure you're supported’.
This is a scam email – it is not from a local authority. Please do not respond to it, and delete immediately.
The government guidance which explains what schools should do to make sure eligible pupils have continued access to free school meals can be found
HERE.