Free School Meals

 

Important: Changes to Free School Meal Applications for the 2026-27 Academic Year

 

We are writing to inform you of significant changes introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) regarding Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility and the application process, effective from the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

New Annual Verification Requirement

The government has updated its guidance to ensure that funding is directed accurately to families who need it most. From September 2026, transitional protections have been discontinued. This means that schools are now required to annually verify that all pupils meet the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals.

Previously, many pupils were "protected" and kept their meal allowance even if their household circumstances changed. Under the new rules, eligibility must be re-checked every year ahead of the autumn school census.

Action Required: Register with LGfL

To manage this new requirement efficiently, our school uses the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) Free School Meal Eligibility Checker. We require all parents who believe they are eligible—including those whose children currently receive free meals—to register or update their details through this portal.

How to apply:

  1. Visit the portal: Go to fsm.lgfl.net.

  2. Enter your details: You will need your National Insurance Number (or NASS number), date of birth, and basic contact information.

  3. Instant Result: The system links directly to the Department for Education’s database and will provide an immediate response.

Eligibility Criteria Summary

From September 2026, eligibility has been extended to include all households in receipt of Universal Credit. Other qualifying benefits include:

  • Income Support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

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

  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit

  • Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit)

 

Please complete your registration via the LGfL portal by Friday 29 May to ensure that allowances are in place for the next academic year.

 

If you have any questions or require assistance with the online form, please contact the school office, where our team will be happy to help you in confidence.