Page contents
- For children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
- For children in Year 3 and older
- Why apply for free school meals?
For children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
All children are entitled to receive a free school meal, regardless of household income, providing they are in a Government-funded school and in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2. This entitlement is called Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).
You'll need to let your school know that you'd like to take advantage of this entitlement.
Most schools will also check if you are eligible for benefits-related free school meals when you request UIFSM. Even if you are entitled to UIFSM, if you get any of these benefits, it's still worth making an application for benefits-related free school meals as well. If you are eligible, your child's school may receive extra funding.
Speak to your school about how to apply.
For children in Year 3 and older
Older children may be entitled to free school meals if you get any of these benefits. Speak to your school about how to apply.
Why apply for free school meals?
- If eligible, you could save hundreds of pounds a year.
- School meals are healthy and nutritious and have to meet the Government's School Food Standards
- If eligible, your child's school may be able to claim additional funding.
- The current rules mean that if you apply for free school meals and receive an eligible result now, your child's entitlement will be protected until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they're in on 31 March 2025 - even if your circumstances change.
