{"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":"2026-07-23T14:34:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T13:34:10","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-6a62184edbfcc\" data-responsive-accordion-tabs=\"accordion medium-accordion large-accordion\" data-allow-all-closed=\"true\" data-multi-expand=\"true\"><li id=\"item-6a62184edbfcc-0\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What are free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-1\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What benefits qualify for free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-2\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What is expanded and targeted free school meals?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over half a million additional pupils will become eligible for Free School Meals under the new eligibility criteria. The change means that all households receiving\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/educationhub.blog.gov.uk\/category\/universal-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Universal Credit<\/a>, above the current \u00a37,400 income cap, will qualify for this support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There will be two levels of eligibility for free school meals:\u00a0<strong>Targeted Free School Meals<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Expanded Free School Meals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"targeted-free-school-meals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Targeted Free School Meals<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families may qualify for Targeted Free School Meals if they receive:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Universal Credit and have an annual household income of\u00a0less than\u00a0\u00a37,400.<\/li>\n<li>Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999<\/li>\n<li>Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)<\/li>\n<li>The guarantee element of Pension Credit<\/li>\n<li>Meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the separate guidance below for\u00a0<strong>families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families eligible for Targeted Free School Meals will also be able to access additional support, such as\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/education\/school-meals\/new-starter-pupil-premium\">Pupil Premium<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/child-family-support\/family-support\/haf-programme\/\">Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"expanded-free-school-meals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expanded Free School Meals<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families will qualify for Targeted Free School Meals if they receive:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Universal Credit and have household earnings\u00a0above\u00a0\u00a37,400 per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families eligible for Expanded Free School Meals with receive\u00a0<strong>free school meals only<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">School children living on their own (16-19 year olds) who receive a qualifying benefit in their own right can also get free school meals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6a62184edbfcc-3\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What happens now transitional protection has ended?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>Transitional protections have ended at the end of the 2025\/26 academic year. This means that all claims on the DCC system have been rechecked and will be rechecked yearly against the new expanded eligibility criteria.<\/p>\n<p>All claims on the Devon system will be automatically rechecked, however, any pupils who have moved schools with an existing claim from out of county, will need to reapply in order to keep their entitlement.<\/p>\n<p>If any families do not reapply, then they should be identified in the opt-out auto-award process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6a62184edbfcc-4\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Can claims for free school meals be backdated?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-5\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Who can receive free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-6\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>How do parents or carers apply for free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-7\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What are universal infant free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-8\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>What is pupil premium?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-9\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>How can we check if a child is eligible (claim status)?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>If the pupil is on your school roll, the easiest way to check their eligibility is by running a new report from the Provider Portal. This will provide schools with the most up to date information regarding eligibility.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, to check a claim status schools can email us at freeschoolmeals@devon.gov.uk or call the Education Helpline on <a href=\"tel:03451551019\">0345 155 1019<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6a62184edbfcc-10\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>How long will a free school meals award last?<\/span><\/a><div class=\"accordion-content\" data-tab-content><p>All Free School Meals claim will last for 1 academic year &#8211; being rechecked yearly during the summer holidays.<\/p>\n<p>There will be no rechecks during the academies year, so families should not need to reapply during this period.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6a62184edbfcc-11\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>A child with a &#8216;current&#8217; free school meals claim is moving schools &#8211; how can their claim be transferred?<\/span><\/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>Families will need to reapply through the Devon Citizens Portal.<\/p>\n<h3>Moving out of Devon<\/h3>\n<p>Families will need to reapply with their new school or Local Authority<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><li id=\"item-6a62184edbfcc-12\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Can nursery children receive free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-13\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Can sixth form children receive free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-14\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Can a child living on their own (not with parents) claim free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-15\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>The child lives with his\/her other parent at a different address &#8211; can they apply for free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-16\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Can children in care claim free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-17\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Can a dual registered or guest student receive free school meals?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-18\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>I need help with understanding how I record free school meals\/universal infant free school meals in SIMS, who do I contact?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-19\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>Who do I contact regarding the school milk scheme?<\/span><\/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-6a62184edbfcc-20\" class=\"accordion-item\" data-accordion-item=\"\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title\"><span>I need to update a students details for example name and address, who do I need to advise?<\/span><\/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":"2026-08-12 22:18:10","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":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37074,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/269\/revisions\/37074"}],"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}]}}