Changes to Free School Meals (FSM) from September 2026

Firstly, if your child is already eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), you don’t need to do anything at the moment.

The Local Authority already holds your information and will automatically check your child’s eligibility ahead of

their return to school in September 2026. Any children no longer entitled will be cancelled and parents informed.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive Universal Free School Meals (UFSM), this differs to

Free School Meals (FSM).

Understanding the difference between Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) and Free School Meals (FSM)

These two schemes sound very similar, but they are different.

Universal Free School Meals (UFSM): All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a universal free school meal, regardless of their family’s income. This is called Universal Free School Meals. You do not need to meet any income criteria for your child to receive these meals while they are in these year groups.

Free School Meals (FSM): From Year 3 onwards, children are no longer entitled to Universal Free School Meals (UFSM). Free School Meals are available to children whose parents or carers receive certain qualifying benefits. To see if their family is eligible, families must apply through their Local Authority (by clicking the link below) and be assessed to see if they are eligible.

Why should I apply?

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and you receive qualifying benefits, it is still very important for you to apply for the Free School Meals (FSM) scheme, even though your child already receives a free school meal through the Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) scheme. This is because eligibility for Free School Meals can:

• Prevent delays when your child moves into Year 3 (as they will no longer receive Universal Free School Meals but may be eligible for Free School Meals).
• Provide additional funding for your child’s school (known as Pupil Premium), which helps schools offer extra support, resources and opportunities.
• Help your family access other support that may be available, such as help with school trips, uniforms or holiday activity programmes (this varies by local authority and school).

If your child is in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 or Year 6 and has not been entitled for the Free School Meal (FSM) scheme and you believe they may be eligible, please read the information below. 

From September 2026, the Government is extending eligibility for Free School Meals. This means that more

families may now qualify for support, even if they have not previously been eligible. 

What this means for you 

•   If your household income is lower, your child may now be entitled for the Free School Meals (FSM) scheme.

•   Schools receive additional funding (known as Pupil Premium) for every eligible child (whether that child is in Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 or Year 6) which is used to support learning, resources and enrichment opportunities.

•   Even if your child prefers a packed lunch, applying can still bring valuable benefits to both your child and

the school.

What you need to do 

•   If you think you may now be eligible, we strongly encourage you to apply before the start of the academic year.

•   If your child is already receiving Free School Meals (FSM), you do not need to reapply.

•   Checking your eligibility is quick and easy, and if you think you may qualify, we encourage you to submit

your application as soon as possible to avoid any delays. 

•   Applications can be made online via Lancashire County Council click here.

We encourage all families to take a few minutes to check their eligibility, as this support can make a real difference.

If you have any questions or would like support with your application, please either contact the Free School Meal Team at Lancashire County Council on 01772 532 109 or 01772 531 809 or email fsm.south@lancashire.gov.uk or contact our school office on 01772 423694.

We will be happy to help.