At Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that every child should have access to a healthy, nutritious school meal. We provide information and guidance to help families understand their entitlements and access the support available to them.

From September 2026, the government has expanded eligibility for Free School Meals (FSM) to include all children whose parent or carer receives Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings. Families must apply, and eligibility must be verified. There are now two categories of benefits-related Free School Meals: Targeted FSM and Expanded FSM. These have different implications for additional school funding and support.

Who is eligible for Free School Meals?

1. Targeted Free School Meals

Targeted FSM applies to children who meet the existing benefits-related eligibility criteria. This includes children whose parent or carer receives Universal Credit with net earned household income of £7,400 or less per year, as well as those meeting other qualifying criteria.

Qualifying circumstances include:

• Universal Credit, where net earned household income is £7,400 or less per year.

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit.

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

• Certain other qualifying circumstances, including some families with no recourse to public funds, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria.

Children eligible for Targeted FSM receive a free school meal and may also attract additional funding and support for the school, including Pupil Premium, subject to the relevant funding rules.

2. Expanded Free School Meals

From September 2026, children whose parent or carer receives Universal Credit are entitled to a free school meal, regardless of household earnings.

This means that families receiving Universal Credit with net earned household income above £7,400 per year may now qualify under the Expanded FSM category.

Expanded FSM provides a free school meal but does not, in itself, qualify a child for Pupil Premium funding. Pupil Premium eligibility continues to be based on Targeted FSM and the relevant funding criteria.

Families who receive Universal Credit are encouraged to apply, even if they did not qualify under the previous rules.

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 attending a government-funded school in England are entitled to a free school meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, regardless of household income.

Parents and carers who receive qualifying benefits should still apply for benefits-related Free School Meals. If eligible for Targeted FSM, their child may attract additional school funding through Pupil Premium, even though their meal is already provided free of charge through UIFSM.

Nursery Pupils

Eligibility for free school meals for nursery-aged children depends on the type of nursery provision and the applicable national eligibility requirements.

Children attending eligible school-based nursery provision may qualify where the relevant conditions are met, including requirements relating to registration and attendance before and after lunch.

Parents and carers should contact the school office for advice about their child's eligibility.

How do I apply?

If you receive Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit, please contact the school office for information about applying for Free School Meals.

Applications and eligibility checks are required, including for families who may qualify under the expanded criteria. Entitlement must be verified before it can be confirmed.

You can also find further information through Oxfordshire County Council's School Meals guidance or the GOV.UK Free School Meals guidance.

Please inform the school if your circumstances change, as eligibility is subject to review.

Why is it important to apply?

Applying for Free School Meals helps eligible families access support and ensures that the school can identify children who qualify for additional funding.

Depending on the category of eligibility, benefits may include:

• A nutritious school meal at no cost.

• Additional school funding through Pupil Premium for eligible pupils in the Targeted FSM category.

• Access to other support schemes where the relevant eligibility criteria are met.

Pupil Premium helps schools provide additional support to improve educational outcomes and reduce barriers to learning for disadvantaged pupils.

Please note: Eligibility for Expanded FSM does not automatically provide access to Pupil Premium, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme or other benefits linked to Targeted FSM. These schemes have their own eligibility requirements.