{"id":269,"date":"2015-08-04T13:22:48","date_gmt":"2015-08-04T12:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/schoolssupport\/services-and-contacts\/free-school-meals\/faqs\/"},"modified":"2025-06-12T08:26:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T07:26:44","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/administration-and-finance\/administration\/free-school-meals\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Free school meals FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"accordion-tabs-block\"><ul class=\"accordion\" id=\"block_acf-block-684a8130d4002\" data-responsive-accordion-tabs=\"accordion medium-accordion large-accordion\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\" data-multi-expand=\"true\"><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-0\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What are free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Free school meals provide eligible students with a free school meal each day. To qualify, families should be receiving one or more of the qualifying benefits. Free school meals are administered by Devon County Council (DCC) for all Devon maintained schools. Devon County Council is also responsible for free school meals through a traded agreement with Devon academies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-1\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What benefits qualify for free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>The only benefits that qualify for free school meals are detailed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/apply-free-school-meals\" rel=\"noopener\">GOV.UK &#8211; apply for free school meals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-2\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What is transitional protection and who is protected?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>On 1 April 2018 transitional protection was introduced meaning all existing free school meals claimants would continue to receive free school meals whilst Universal Credit is rolled out. This would apply even if their earnings rose above the new threshold during that time.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, any child gaining eligibility for free school meals after 1 April 2018 would be protected against losing free school meals during the Universal Credit rollout period.<\/p>\n<p>Transitional Protections apply from 1 April 2018, until the end of the 2025\/26 school year. Pupils becoming eligible for free school meals under the benefits-based criteria in this time, will continue to receive free meals until the end of the 2025\/26 school year. This applies, regardless of any change in household circumstances, including an increase in earnings above the eligibility threshold.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about these change, please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/education\/school-meals\/\">school meals<\/a> webpage on our Children, families and education website.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-3\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What happens after transitional protection has ended?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>From the start of the 2026\/27 academic year, it is the Department for Education\u2019s intention that all protections will be discontinued, alongside an extension to the eligibility criteria for free school meals. From this point, households must meet the eligibility criteria to be entitled to free school meals.<\/p>\n<p>This means that all Transitionally Protected claims will end and be rechecked for eligibility ahead of the 2026\/27 academic year.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about these change, please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/education\/school-meals\/\">school meals<\/a> webpage on our Children, families and education website.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-4\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can claims for free school meals be backdated?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>No, a child is only eligible for free school meals from the date on which their eligibility was confirmed. There is no provision to backdate free school meals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-5\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Who can receive free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Where eligible, free school meals are available for full time pupils at school.<\/p>\n<p>From September 2014, all pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for free school meals (FSMs). This includes academies, free schools, pupil referral units and alternative provisions as well as maintained schools.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note<\/strong>: Children being taught a year behind and are placed within KS1 will still be eligible for universal Infant free school meals, for example, DOB for year 3, however allocated as a year 2 school admission.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-6\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How do parents or carers apply for free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Through <a href=\"https:\/\/oneonline.devon.gov.uk\/CCSCitizenPortal_LIVE\/en?ReturnUrl=%2FCCSCitizenPortal_live\" rel=\"noopener\">the Citizen Portal<\/a> &#8211; it&#8217;s the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision. An application should be submitted for each child if there are siblings.<\/p>\n<p>Schools can assist a parent or carer to apply (with their permission).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-7\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What are universal infant free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for a Universal Infant Free School Meal. Parents or guardians do not need to apply for UIFSM.<\/p>\n<p>Pupils moving into KS2 will lose their entitlement to UIFSM. If they wish to continue receiving a School Meal they will either have to pay or claim Free School Meals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-8\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">What is pupil premium?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Pupil premium is additional funding from the government for schools. Student\u2019s eligible \u2013 based on the existing free school meal criteria \u2013 can attract this funding. Parents and guardians with children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at a Devon school may be asked to complete a free school meal application form to check entitlement.<\/p>\n<p>For further information regarding Pupil Premium please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/pupil-premium-information-for-schools-and-alternative-provision-settings\" rel=\"noopener\">Pupil Premium for Schools<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For further information regarding KS1 Pupil Premium for Parents please refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/educationandfamilies\/school-information\/school-meals\/new-starter-pupil-premium\">New Starter Pupil Premium<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-9\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How can we check if a child is eligible (claim status)?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>To check a claim status please call the Education Helpline on\u00a0<a href=\"tel:03451551019\">0345 155 1019<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-10\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">How long will a free school meals award last?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>If a child was made eligible from the 1 April 2018, they will be eligible until the end of the end of the school year 2025\/26. This will be the Summer Term, July 2026.<\/p>\n<p>This applies, regardless of any change in household circumstances, including an increase in earnings above the eligibility threshold.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-11\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">A child with a &#8216;current&#8217; free school meals claim is moving schools &#8211; how can their claim be transferred?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><h3>Moving within Devon<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Claimants<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Please communicate eligibility via your child\u2019s new school<\/li>\n<li><strong>Schools<\/strong>\u00a0-To add a child to your FSM List \u2013 please email the FSM Team \u2013\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:freeschoolmeals@devon.gov.uk\">freeschoolmeals@devon.gov.uk<\/a>\u00a0with the student details including the start date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Moving into Devon<\/h3>\n<p>If Transitional Protection doesn\u2019t apply the parent will need to apply for Free School Meals through DCC.<\/p>\n<h3>Transitional protection<\/h3>\n<p>Please note the guidance from the DfE below:<\/p>\n<p>There are three steps to checking if a pupil should be receiving transitional protections:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong>\u00a0the school should consult the pupil\u2019s\u00a0<strong>Common Transfer File<\/strong>. This is a form that should be completed whenever a child moves school (either as an in-year transfer, or if moving from primary to secondary). The form should indicate whether the pupil was previously eligible for FSM \u2013 if they were, they should be receiving transitional protections.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2:<\/strong>\u00a0if the Common Transfer File does not provide the required information, the school should contact the\u00a0<strong>pupil\u2019s previous school or local authority<\/strong>\u00a0to find out if they were previously eligible for FSM. If they were, they should be receiving transitional protections.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong>\u00a0if the previous school\/LA are unable to provide this information, the school or local authority should check their\u00a0<strong>Key to Success download<\/strong>. This will indicate whether the pupil was previously eligible for FSM \u2013 if they were, they should be receiving transitional protections.<\/p>\n<h3>Moving out of Devon<\/h3>\n<p>A claimant will communicate their free school meals status with their new out of county school and Devon schools will send over this status through the Common Transfer File.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-12\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can nursery children receive free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Nursery aged children can receive free school meals as long as they are attending a Devon County Council maintained nursery (including academies).<\/p>\n<p>*These are listed and defined as:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/schools\/school\/early-years-provision\/nursery-class\/\">Nursery classes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Private, governor run and charity run settings are not funded for free school meals.<br \/>\nThis is also subject to attendance before and after lunch ie; children must be attending two sessions, eg: 9am to 3pm.<\/p>\n<p><strong>*Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Since publication additional schools may have been added to this list. To query if a setting has been added please contact the Education Helpdesk on\u00a0<a href=\"tel:03451551019\">0345 155 1019<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-13\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can sixth form children receive free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Yes, children attending sixth forms can receive free school meals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> The free school meal team do not administer free school meal claims for tertiary colleges. Please contact the setting directly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-14\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can a child living on their own (not with parents) claim free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Yes, as long as they are receiving a qualifying benefit.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-15\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">The child lives with his\/her other parent at a different address &#8211; can they apply for free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Free school meals eligibility is based on the family and not the individual.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If a step-father or mother or partner is living at the address and in receipt of an eligible benefit, the family will be eligible.<\/li>\n<li>A parent living at a different address to the child will be able to use his or her benefit as proof of eligibility for that child.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-16\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can children in care claim free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>This is dependent upon the carer circumstance. If the carer is receiving money for school meals as part of their allowance (fostering allowance or grant) then no, they are not entitled to free school meals.<\/p>\n<p>Private fostering may be acceptable and claims should be referred to the free school meals team.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-17\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Can a dual registered or guest student receive free school meals?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>A child attends X school, but goes to Y school Z day(s) per week as a guest (this may happen with Schools Company or special schools), will the child receive free school meals at Y school?<\/p>\n<p>Yes, the child attends another school as a guest student or is dual registered, they will be able to receive free school meals at the other school.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0The student name will only appear on the FSM list of the school they are \u2018on roll\u2019 at.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-18\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">I need help with understanding how I record free school meals\/universal infant free school meals in SIMS, who do I contact?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>For advice regarding SIMS data \u2013 please contact\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scomis.org\/contact-us\/\" rel=\"noopener\">SCOMIS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-19\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">Who do I contact regarding the school milk scheme?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>If you have any questions regarding the school milk scheme, please contact your school. The free school meal team are not responsible for these enquiry types.<\/p>\n<p>On the 1 January 2015 The School Food Plan introduced new legislation on milk. From that date it is mandatory for all primary schools in England to offer lower fat milk during school hours to all children who want it. School milk is free for all under 5\u2019s and is subsidised for pupils aged five or older.<\/p>\n<p>Children who are registered for free school meals (not UIFSM) are entitled to free milk \u2013 please check with your child\u2019s school.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-684a8130d4002-20\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\">I need to update a students details for example name and address, who do I need to advise?<\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>The free school meal team use Devon County Councils\u2019 Schools central database. Any updates must be verified and fed via the official channels. For advice regarding updating a student\u2019s information please contact\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scomis.org\/contact-us\/\" rel=\"noopener\">SCOMIS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"parent":13472,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-269","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-24 04:07:33","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33596,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions\/33596"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}