Free School Meals
Pupil Premium and Free School Meals: A Guide for Parents
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools to help improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and ensure all children can reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
A child may be eligible for Pupil Premium funding if they:
- Are currently entitled to Free School Meals (FSM).
- Have been entitled to Free School Meals at any point in the last six years.
- Are currently looked after by a local authority (in care).
- Have previously been looked after and left care through adoption, a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or residence order.
- Have a parent serving in the Armed Forces.
How is Pupil Premium Funding Used?
Pupil Premium funding is not used to pay for school meals. The funding is provided directly to schools to support eligible pupils and improve their educational outcomes.
Schools may use the funding to provide:
- Additional teaching and intervention programmes.
- Academic and pastoral support.
- Resources and equipment.
- Educational visits and enrichment opportunities.
- Social and emotional wellbeing support.
- Attendance and engagement initiatives.
Further information can be found in our Pupil Premium Strategy Statement and Pupil Premium Impact Report, available on our website.
Why Should I Apply for Free School Meals?
Registering for Free School Meals helps the school secure additional funding for your child, even if they choose not to eat a school meal.
You should apply if you think you may be eligible, even if:
- Your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives Universal Infant Free School Meals.
- Your child prefers a packed lunch.
- Your child does not regularly eat school dinners.
Registering ensures that the school receives all available funding to support your child’s education.
Who Can Apply for Free School Meals?
Your child may be eligible if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (subject to government eligibility criteria).
- Income Support.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit.
- Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income falls within the eligibility threshold).
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).
Universal Infant Free School Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to receive a free school meal regardless of household income.
However, if you receive one of the qualifying benefits listed above, it is still important to apply for Free School Meals so that the school can receive any additional Pupil Premium funding your child may be entitled to.
What Are the Benefits?
Registering for Free School Meals can:
- Save families money.
- Ensure children have access to a healthy meal during the school day.
- Help the school secure additional funding to support pupils.
- Enable access to additional support, resources and opportunities where appropriate.
How Do I Apply?
Applications can be completed online through your local authority or via the Government’s Free School Meals guidance.
If you require support with an application, please contact the school office. Staff will be happy to assist you and provide access to a computer if needed.
Further Information
For more information about Free School Meals and eligibility, visit:
Free School Meals (GOV.UK)
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
For more information about Pupil Premium funding, visit:
Pupil Premium: Guidance for Schools (GOV.UK)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pupil-premium-information-for-schools-and-alternative-provision-settings
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding Free School Meals or Pupil Premium funding, please contact the school office who will be happy to help.
Reviewed: October 2026
Next Review Date: October 2027
Responsible Officer: Headteacher / Business Manager