Currently, all primary school children in England are entitled to a free school meal at lunchtime as part of the government’s UIFSM (Universal Infant Free School Meals) policy for Reception, Year 1–2 children and Mayor of London’s Free School Meals policy for Year 3-6 children. Children will not need to bring lunch into school unless they opt to have a packed lunch.

From September 2026, all families receiving Universal Credit and certain other qualifying benefits will be eligible for benefits-based Free School Meals, regardless of income.

There will be two distinct categories of benefits-based FSM:

• Targeted FSM: Universal Credit households with annual earnings of £7,400 or less. This eligibility attracts additional funding, including Pupil Premium, for the school to use to support pupils.
• Expanded FSM: Universal Credit households with annual earnings above £7,400. This category does not attract Pupil Premium funding, but it helps the school identify and support children who may be experiencing financial disadvantage.

At Brindishe Schools, we may receive an additional £1,515 for benefits-based FSM eligible pupils; this funding is used in line with our Pupil Premium Strategy, which is available on our website. This extra money really does make a real difference to the quality of education we provide.

For example, we have previously used pupil premium funding for:

• Educational provision/resources (including additional adult support as required)
• Academic interventions
• Sourcing training and advice from outside agencies
• Offering a counselling service across the Federation
• Access to extracurricular clubs and enrichment

Families eligible for Targeted FSM will receive one or more opportunities/items from the list below.

• Lewisham Free Holiday Activity & Food vouchers on selected school holidays (HAF)
• half price school journeys and trips
• half price breakfast club provision
• access to extracurricular clubs and enrichment
• a school branded sweatshirt
• a £5 book voucher
• a water bottle and stickers
• a stationery pack (including pencil case, colouring pencils, and exercise books)

Our school meals provided by Nourish are healthy and tasty. Choosing a school lunch for your child/children could help save you up to £460 per year if you take up the offer of free school meals. School meals are freshly prepared every day using high-quality ingredients. Meat and vegetarian options are available every day, and children who have other dietary needs are catered for where a menu is agreed in advance. This can include religious, cultural or allergy and/or intolerance diets.  

Details of how to apply are in this document – How to Apply 

Please apply for Free School Meals through the Lewisham Council website: www.lewisham.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals.