Who is entitled to Free School Meals?

All children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 at state schools in England are entitled to a free school meal, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. This is called universal free school meals. Children in Years 3 and above aren't automatically entitled to free school meals; however, they are provided for children who come from low-income families. Children may be eligible for free school meals if their parents receive the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (conditions apply)

What if I believe that I qualify for this assistance but I have never applied for it?

The Council realises that there may be a small amount of families who would fall into this category. We have worked with Capita on a streamlined process to deal with these requests. We have written to all schools explaining this and parents/carers should, in the first instance, contact their child’s school in all cases.