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Key Information: Free School Meals
National regulations for Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility are changing.
Because national transitional protections are coming to an end, all current FSM recipients, as well as new applicants, must undergo a new eligibility check before 1st September 2026, to qualify for the 2026/27 academic year.
Free School Meals Eligibility
Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (with a household income below the government threshold)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income does not exceed the applicable threshold)
Children who receive Free School Meals may also help generate additional funding for the school through the Pupil Premium. We encourage all eligible families to apply.
Parents and carers can check their eligibility and apply through their local authority's Free School Meals process.
More information can be found on our website here.
What is Changing?
Starting September 2026, the Government is widening FSM access. Households on Universal Credit will now be entitled to free school meals once their eligibility is verified.
Going forward, benefits-related Free School Meals will be split into two distinct categories:
- Targeted Free School Meals: This applies to families on Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, alongside other standard qualifying benefit categories. This specific group remains connected to Pupil Premium funding and additional targeted support.
- Expanded Free School Meals: This new category covers pupils who earn more than £7,400 and do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit
Please Note: If you complete your eligibility check before 31st August 2026, and your child qualifies, their free school meal entitlement will officially begin on 1st September 2026.
How to Apply or Recheck Your Status
All applications can be submitted by visiting the following link.
Who Should Apply?
We advise any family who believes they might qualify, including all households receiving Universal Credit, to submit an application. The automated system will determine whether your child qualifies for Targeted or Expanded Free School Meals. We can help you with your application. Please ask Sharon, Leona or Amanda in the School Office.
How Does it Benefit My Child?
Your child will be eligible for a free meal every day. This includes a choice of a hot dinner or jacket potato or a deli option such as sandwiches, wraps and paninis.
A free celebration meal, for example, when we have a Chinese or Spanish celebration day. (If you have applied and are eligible, this would be free even if your child usually has a packed lunch.)
Additional funding to the school which enables us to provide additional Teaching Assistants, minibuses, trips and other resources.
How Much Will I Save?
At Four Oaks we heavily subsidise meals for all children. School meals from September 2026 are £1.90 per child. Our charge is considerably cheaper than the Government’s £2.65 per meal. However, if you have applied and are eligible, this would be free.
Your child will also benefit from Pupil Premium funding to boost their learning experiences.
Questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email the school office (Student Services) at office@fouroaksprimary.com.