Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day under the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme. There is no application process and your child's entitlement is not based on family income or benefits.

We encourage all children to take up their free school meal entitlement. School meals provide a healthy, balanced lunch and help children develop positive eating habits while enjoying mealtimes with their friends.

• each child will be able to have a hot, two course meal at their school which includes a meat or non-meat main item, vegetables, potato, pasta or rice, salad and a dessert

Free School Meals (FSM) – New Eligibility from September 2026

Although all infant-aged children receive free meals through UIFSM, some families may also qualify for Free School Meals (FSM) based on their household circumstances. Registering for FSM is important because it can provide additional support for your child and enables the school to receive extra funding through the Pupil Premium.

From September 2026, the Government is expanding Free School Meal eligibility in England. Any child whose parent or carer receives Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of household earnings. This will extend support to many more families and ensure that more children can benefit from a nutritious school lunch.

Why should I apply if my child already receives UIFSM?

Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a free meal under UIFSM, we strongly encourage eligible families to register for FSM because it may provide:

• Additional funding for the school through the Pupil Premium.
• Extra support with educational resources and enrichment opportunities.
• Access to other benefits and support schemes that may be linked to FSM eligibility.

Children in year 3 and above may be eligible for free school meals.

Free school meals criteria:

A child is eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives one or more of the following benefits:

• 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 the family is not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and meets the relevant income requirements)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after a person stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• The previous Universal Credit eligibility threshold of £7,400 annual net earned income has been replaced by the Government's expanded entitlement, meaning all families receiving Universal Credit can now qualify for Free School Meals.

No other benefits qualify for free school meals from Key Stage 2 (years 3, 4, 5, 6) or for the pupil premium for Reception Year and Key Stage 1 (years 1, 2).

How to Apply

Parents and carers who receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits should apply through Hampshire County Council's Free School Meals service. The application process is straightforward and confidential.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals

For more information and to check your eligibility, please visit the Hampshire County Council website or contact the school office for assistance.

Need Help?

If you are unsure whether you qualify, please speak to the school office in confidence. We are happy to help families access all the support available to them.

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