17/07/2026
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Free School Meals
Important: Action required before September 2026
Free School Meal eligibility arrangements are changing from September 2026
If your child currently receives Free School Meals, or your household receives Universal Credit, please complete a new eligibility check before 31st August 2026.
Previous automatic carry-over arrangements are ending. This means Free School Meals will no longer automatically continue into the new academic year without an updated eligibility check.
If an eligibility check is not completed, your child may not be able to access Free School Meals from September 2026.
We strongly encourage all families receiving Universal Credit to complete a check - even if you have previously been told you were not eligible, as many more families may now qualify under the new arrangements.
Families may also qualify through other routes, including:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA);
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit;
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;
- Certain No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) arrangements.
If you are unsure, we strongly encourage you to complete an eligibility check.
Click here to check if you may qualify for Free School Meals or visit https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/ofsm-east
Why are we asking families to check?
Changes to Free School Meal eligibility from September 2026 mean some families who have never qualified before may now be eligible.
We encourage all families receiving Universal Credit to complete a check, even if:
- your child currently brings packed lunch;
- you have not previously qualified;
- you are unsure whether you may be eligible.
Why apply?
Applying for Free School Meals can:
- save money on school lunches;
- ensure support is available when needed;
- give your child the option of a school meal during the school day;
- help the school understand and support families who may be experiencing financial pressures;
- ensure eligible pupils are identified for any additional support they may be entitled to.
Your child does not have to take a school meal every day. Once approved, the entitlement is simply available if and when it is needed.
Free School Meals are managed sensitively and discreetly. Other students will not know whether your child receives Free School Meals.
What happens after I apply?
- Complete the online eligibility check.
- Eligibility will be verified.
- We will contact you if any further information is needed.
- Once approved, your child will be able to access Free School Meals.
- You will need to re-apply annually and notify us if your circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child already receives Free School Meals. Do I still need to apply?
Yes. Due to changes to eligibility arrangements from September 2026, families currently receiving Free School Meals should complete a new eligibility check before 31st August 2026.
My child normally brings packed lunch — should I still apply?
Yes. Even if your child does not usually take school meals, having eligibility in place means the option is available if circumstances change or your child wishes to use it in future.
We were not eligible before — should we apply again?
Yes. The eligibility rules are changing from September 2026, particularly for families receiving Universal Credit. Many more families may now qualify.
Will my child have to take a school meal every day?
No. Once approved, the entitlement is available whenever your child wishes to use it.
Will other students know my child receives Free School Meals?
No. Free School Meal eligibility is handled sensitively and discreetly.
Need help?
If you would like support completing the form, or need access to a computer, please contact Mrs Smith in the Main Office.
Telephone: 01245 440232
Email: school@chelmer.essex.sch.uk
Please complete your eligibility check as soon as possible
Completing the eligibility check before 31st August 2026 helps ensure eligible pupils can access support from the beginning of the academic year and avoids delays in September.
