To apply online for free school meals please go to https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/thecollectivecommunitytrust

Universal Free School Meals applies to all children in infants, meaning children are entitled to a free school meal until they move into Year 3 at which point school meals are charged at £2.90 per day. Families who have successfully applied for Free School Meal funding will receive Free School Meals.  

If you do not currently receive Free School Meals, please apply via the online OFSM system linked above, even if you believe you are not entitled currently. You may be entitled to receive free school meals if you are in receipt of certain benefits or support. You could also raise additional pupil premium funding for school to fund support like extra tuition, additional teaching staff or after school activities. It’s a very quick process and you only need to apply once as the system will automatically update your eligibility if your circumstances change in future. Alternatively, please provide the school office with your NI number and consent for school to apply on your behalf.

From September 2026, there are two new categories of benefits-based Free School Meals:

• Targeted FSM: This will remain based on the existing threshold, covering pupils in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less.

• Expanded FSM: This new category will cover pupils who do not qualify for Targeted FSM but are in households receiving Universal Credit.

What is Pupil Premium (Free School Meals) funding?

The pupil premium grant is funding the government gives to schools for some children to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England. All parents need to do is complete a VERY SHORT form. Even if you are not eligible now, the new system receives updates regularly and will notify us if a change in circumstances means you become eligible in the future.

What is Pupil Premium used for?

Leaders in school decide what to spend the money on to support pupils with their learning needs. Children who are in receipt of Pupil Premium will benefit from the money as it will enable more resources including technology, adult support and interventions for learning. The money can be used to benefit all children, not just those who receive the funding, for example with whole class intervention or support.