We would like to inform you of important changes to Free School Meals (FSM) and ask that all parents read this information carefully.
Important – action required
To ensure your child receives or continues to receive FSM from 1st September 2026, we strongly urge all parents, who believe they are or could be eligible, to apply for Free School Meals (FSM) using the link below:
Note: if you have multiple children, each child will need to be inputted into the FSM checker:
This applies to:
- Parents who are now eligible to claim for FSM under the new expanded criteria (the expansion covers any element of universal credit)
- Parents who are currently eligible and have children in receipt of FSM
- Parents who are currently eligible and have children who opt not to eat their free school meal (school will receive additional funding simply by you re-establishing your eligibility)
Please apply or re-apply before Friday 10th July 2026.
PARENTS WILL LOSE ACCESS TO THEIR CHILD’S FREE SCHOOL MEAL IF THEY DO NOT EVIDENCE THEIR ENTITLEMENT ON THE ABOVE LINK
OUR SCHOOL IS AT RISK OF LOSING FUNDING IF FAMILIES DON’T CHECK THEIR CHILD(REN)’S ENTITLEMENT ON THE ABOVE LINK.
What are the FSM changes?
From 1st September 2026, the Department for Education (DfE) is expanding FSM eligibility to all children from households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings.
This means many families may now become eligible for the first time under the expanded criteria.
Some families have continued to receive FSM under ‘transitional protection’, even though they no longer qualify for this support. The government have advised that this protection will end on 31st August 2026.
Who is eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)?
Free school meals are available to pupils whose parents are in receipt of one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Meet the criteria for families with no recourse to public funds
We are keen to support as many families as possible and ensure that all children receive the support to which they are entitled. However, eligibility can only be assessed when the online application has been completed. If a new application is not made, your child will lose their entitlement to free school meals from 1st September 2026, even if they were previously eligible.
Once you have submitted your application online, via the above link, we will contact those who have applied and are eligible for FSM under the new criteria.
Given the potential impact on pupil nutrition/wellbeing, it is highly likely that we will undertake further analysis to allow us to prompt families to recheck their eligibility if this is outstanding.
Due to the upcoming summer holidays and the changes being effective from 1st September, please go on the website link and complete the application by FRIDAY 10TH JULY.
If your circumstances change at any time in the school year, and you think you may be eligible for FSM, you can use the link to evidence your eligibility and inform school immediately.