Free School Meals

At Stanley Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to a healthy, nutritious meal during the school day.

There are currently three different types of free school meal entitlement available, and it is important that families understand which applies to their child.

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal every day, regardless of their family's income.

This is known as Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).

Even if your child receives Universal Infant Free School Meals, we encourage you to apply for Free School Meals if you receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits, as this may provide additional funding for the school through the Pupil Premium.

Targeted Free School Meals

Children are eligible for Targeted Free School Meals if their parent or carer receives Universal Credit and their annual earned income is £7,400 or less, or if they receive certain other qualifying benefits.

Children eligible under this category may also attract additional funding for the school through the Pupil Premium.

Who can qualify for Targeted Free School Meals?

Your child may be eligible for Targeted Free School Meals if you receive one of the following:

• Universal Credit with annual earned income of £7,400 or less (after tax and excluding benefits)

• 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 is below the government threshold)

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

Expanded Free School Meals

From September 2026, the Government has expanded Free School Meal eligibility to include all children from households receiving Universal Credit.

Children whose families receive Universal Credit but do not meet the income threshold for Targeted Free School Meals may qualify for Expanded Free School Meals. These children are entitled to receive a free school meal every school day.

Understanding the Different Entitlements:

What is Pupil Premium?

Pupil Premium is additional government funding provided to schools for children whose families meet certain eligibility criteria.

This funding helps schools provide extra support, resources, learning opportunities and enrichment activities that benefit children throughout their time at school.

For this reason, we encourage all eligible families to register, even if their child already receives a free meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

How to Apply

If you think your child may be eligible for Targeted Free School Meals or Expanded Free School Meals, please email the school office with the following information:

• Your full legal name

• Your date of birth

• Your National Insurance number

Email: admin@stanley.seteducation.org.uk

The school will carry out an eligibility check and let you know the outcome.

You will be informed whether your child is entitled to:

• Targeted Free School Meals

• Expanded Free School Meals

• Or if they are not currently eligible

All information will be treated confidentially and used only for the purpose of checking Free School Meal eligibility.

If you are unsure whether you receive a qualifying benefit, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.

Why Should I Apply?

Registering for Free School Meals may:

• Provide your child with a free nutritious meal each school day

• Help the school secure additional funding through the Pupil Premium

• Enable the school to provide extra support and opportunities for eligible children

Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, we encourage all eligible families to register so that the school can receive any funding available to support children's learning and wellbeing.

Need Help?

If you are unsure whether you may be eligible, please contact the school office. We will be happy to answer any questions in confidence and help you through the application process.