Free School Meals

FREE SCHOOL MEALS/PUPIL PREMIUM APPLICATION FORM

The Department for Education (DfE) has recently updated its guidance on Free School Meals (FSM), with important changes coming into effect from September 2026.

Important Update information on Free School Meals from Enfield

 

Families who receive certain benefits may be eligible for free school meals, under one of the following categories:-

Expanded Free School Meals.

  • All children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to Free School Meals, regardless of income.

Targeted Free School Meals

  • Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (£616.67 per month) 
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit only (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190. 

Working Tax Credit is a disqualifying benefit regardless of your household income – this means that you would not be entitled to free school meals whilst in receipt of Working Tax Credit

  • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

 

How to apply:

Applications for free school meals must be made to the Local Authority where the school is located. 

Completed application forms can be scanned and emailed to: freeschoolmeals@enfield.gov.uk

They can also be returned to your child’s school or can be sent by post to:

ESAS & Free School Meals, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XY. 

Free School Meal Application Form

 

Extra funding for your child’s school for Targeted Free School Meals.

Schools can claim additional funding from central government, known as the ‘Pupil Premium’ for those children who are eligible for Targeted Free School Meals. This additional money is used to ensure that children achieve academically and have full access to educational and cultural activities.  However, it is for the school to decide how the money is spent.  For more information, please ask at your child’s school.  

 

Families who qualify for Targeted Free School Meals will also receive Holiday activity and Food Program vouchers (HAF vouchers).  

Information on the Enfield HAF Programme: https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/children-and-education/holiday-activity-and-food-programmes