FREE SCHOOL MEALS

From September 2026 all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, regardless of income. This means many more families will be able to access free school meals.

Children will be checked against 2 categories:

​

Targeted

If you meet the current eligible criteria:​

• your child will receive free school meals

• your child will receive Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) vouchers

• your child's school will receive pupil premium funding

Expanded​

If you receive Universal Credit, regardless of income:

• your child will receive free school meals

From September 2026, eligibility will be based on your current circumstances. This means some children may gain or lose eligibility depending on changes to household income or benefits.

Even if you receive Universal Credit, free school meals are not automatically given. You must still apply.  If you think your child may be eligible, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Universal Free School Meals:

• Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will automatically receive a universal free school meal regardless of the family income.

•  However, families with children in these year groups should make an application for benefits-based free school meals if they meet the criteria listed above. If you are eligible for targeted free school meals, additional funding is available to the school.

We encourage all parents who may be eligible to apply and ensure they receive the support available.  Please contact the school should you wish to discuss this confidentially.