Dear Parents and Carers

 

Free School Meals are Changing from September 2026

 

Following our recent communication regarding changes to Free School Meals (FSM), we have since received additional training and clarification. As a result, some of the information previously shared has been updated. We are writing to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding important changes to Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility, which will take effect from September 2026.

 

What’s changing?

Under new national rules, all families receiving Universal Credit will qualify for Free School Meals, not just those below an income threshold. With this measure, the Government expects that about 500,000 more children will benefit from free meals across the country. It is estimated that this may increase Free School Meal eligibility by nearly 4,000 children in Leicestershire.  BUT Parents and Carers MUST re-apply on the LGfL Free School Meal Eligibility Checker website OR complete the application form (it takes two minutes to complete!) to the school before we can check your eligibility. This is explained below.

 

Also, any existing transitional protection for Free School Meals will end in July 2026.  Transitional protections for Free School Meals have been in effect since April 2018. This has meant that pupils have retained their entitlement, even if their household earnings improved above the threshold. From the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, transitional protections for FSM will end.  FSM entitlements will now also be checked annually, at the end of each school year.

 

From 1 September 2026, there will now be two categories of FSM eligibility:

 

  • Targeted Eligibility
    • Applies to children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less.
    • Pupils in this category will:
      • Qualify for Free School Meals
      • Enable schools to receive additional Pupil Premium funding
      • Be considered for other support, such as extended school travel assistance

 

  • Expanded Eligibility
    • Applies to children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings above £7,400.
    • Pupils in this category will:
      • Qualify for Free School Meals only
      • Not attract Pupil Premium funding

 

Ever6 Free School Meals

Any children who have previously received a Free Meal and who are no longer eligible will then become Ever6, which means that although they will no longer receive a free meal they will retain Pupil Premium funding and associated benefits for the next six years.

 

What you need to do

If you are either currently in receipt of Free School Meals, or if you believe you will become eligible under the new expansion (i.e. you receive Universal Credit) you will need to complete an online application on the LGfL Free School Meal Eligibility Checker website. Alternatively, please complete your details HERE so we can make these checks ahead of the start of the autumn term. Please complete the application or provide your details by Monday 29 June 2026. We will keep your information on file and use this to re-check your eligibility every year.

 

If you do not reapply through the LGfL website, or provide the information required for the school to complete a check on your behalf, we will be unable to confirm your child’s eligibility for Free School Meals from September 2026. This will result in your child no longer receiving a free school meal, even if they currently qualify.

 

If you have any questions about these changes or require assistance completing an application, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Ibstock School