Free School Meals

Changes to Free School Meal (FSM) Eligibility from September 2026

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit attending schools will be entitled to receive a free meal.

The Government have made this a legal requirement through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 and the Government has added new regulations extending this duty to maintained nursery schools.

Going forward, there will be 2 categories of benefits-based free school meals (FSM):

• Targeted FSM, which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. These pupils will also benefit from Holiday Activity and Food provision (HAF) vouchers.
• Expanded FSM, a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit. These Pupils will be entitled to receive a FSM but will not be eligible for Holiday Activity And Food provision (HAF) vouchers
• Universal Free School Meals:  Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will automatically receive a universal free school meal regardless of the family income. o However, families with children in these year groups should make an application for benefits-based free school meals if they meet the criteria listed above. If you are eligible for targeted free school meals, additional funding is available to the school.

Registering is confidential and easy, follow the link to register on the Swindon Borough Council Website. Please register as soon as possible to make sure that your child does not miss out. 

Targeted Free School Meals

For every pupil registered for Targeted free school meals this school will receive extra funding.  With this money we acquire additional learning materials that will help with the teaching and learning of all pupils at the school and employ additional staff.  You need not take up the free meal every day if you didn't want to as long as you are registered and qualify the school still gets the additional funds.

You may be able to apply for Targeted free school meals if you or your child receive any of these benefits:

• 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’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

• No Recourse to Public Funds

Expanded Free School Meals

Expanded FSM covers children who are in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400. Pupils eligible for Expanded FSM will not benefit from Holiday Activities and Food provision (HAF)

Pupil Premium

The Government has introduced a payment called “Pupil Premium” which is allocated based on the number of students eligible for Targeted Free School Meals and for Service children.  More information can be found on the School Pupil Premium Page

 Please contact the School Office if you require any advice or help.