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Important Information About Free School Meals and School Funding

We are asking all families to complete a Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility check.
You may wonder why this is necessary when all children at Fielding Primary School already receive a free school lunch through the Mayor of London's Universal Primary Free School Meals programme and the national Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. The answer is simple: while all children will continue to receive a free school meal, an FSM eligibility check helps the school access additional Government funding that supports pupils' education. We also don't yet know if the London Mayor Funding will be continued beyond this school year.

Complete the check here Free School Meal Eligibility Check and Additional School Funding – Fill in form by 18th September.
We need you to complete it even if your child already receives benefits related Free School Meals  (Pupil Premium passport) as we need to re-check everyone's eligibility.

What has changed?
The Government has introduced new Free School Meal eligibility arrangements from September 2026. Families receiving Universal Credit may now qualify under one of two categories of support. These changes affect how schools receive funding and how disadvantage is recognised nationally.


Why should I complete the check?
By completing an eligibility check, you could help the school access additional funding which supports:

  • Teaching and learning programmes
  • Additional academic support
  • Educational visits and enrichment opportunities
  • Pastoral and wellbeing provision
  • Resources and interventions for pupils who need extra support

Even if your child already receives a free lunch every day, completing the check remains extremely important.


Who should complete the check?
We would like every family to complete the eligibility check. This is particularly important if you:

  • Receive Universal Credit;
  • Have income below £7,400 per year
  • Have recently started receiving benefits;
  • Have never previously applied for Free School Meals;
  • Have children who joined the school recently.


What happens next?

  • September

This information and guidance is being shared with families. Eligibility checks will begin.

  • mid-September 

We will process applications and confirm eligibility.

  • 1st October (school census day)

Information will be used to ensure pupils are correctly recorded for future school funding purposes.

Will my child still receive a free school lunch?
Yes. All children at Fielding Primary School will continue to receive a free school lunch as they do now.
This process is not about taking meals away from children. It is about ensuring the school receives any additional funding that it is entitled to receive on behalf of eligible pupils.


Need help?
If you are unsure whether you qualify, or need support completing the eligibility check, please contact the school office. We will be happy to help and all information will be treated in confidence.

A few minutes of your time could make a significant difference to the funding and support available for children across our school community. children across our school community.

Complete the check here Free School Meal Eligibility Check and Additional School Funding – Fill in form by 18th September

Find out more

Clare Haines, Deputy Head

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