FREE SCHOOL MEALS

The government has announced changes to the entitlement criteria for free school meals from September 2026. From then there will be two different types of free school meals, known as 'targeted' and 'expanded'. 

Families who receive any of the following are eligible for 'targeted' free school meals -

• Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less

• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit

Families in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400 will be entitled to 'expanded' free school meals. 

To apply under 'targeted' or 'expanded' free school meals please apply online using the link below:

https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/entrust

A free school meal cannot be provided under 'expanded' criteria before 1 September 2026.