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Apply for Free School Meals and Unlock Savings of Over £617 per Child Each Year

Free School Meals can feel confusing, especially when your child is already receiving a free lunch at school. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the difference between Free School Meals and Universal Infant Free School Meals, and why applying still matters.



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Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive a free hot meal every day.

You don’t need to apply for this – it’s provided to every child in these year groups, no matter what your household income is.

This is called Universal Infant Free School Meals.

Free School Meals (FSM) are different

FSM is a means‑tested benefit, available to children in any year group if their family receives certain income‑related benefits.

If your child is eligible for FSM, they will continue to receive free meals after Year 2, and your school will receive extra funding to support their learning. 

Free School Meal Application

 

Why you still need to apply – even if your child already gets a free meal

By applying for free school meals your child could receive one of our delicious, hot and nutritious lunches every day.

All families should apply for free school meals for each child as this can lead to many additional benefits including:

  • additional funding for your child’s school
  • assistance with school trips
  • access to free holiday activities
  • assistance with extra curricula activities
  • included in future Derbyshire County Council's household support voucher schemes  

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Applying

Applying has never been easier, we use the Department for Education’s free school meals eligibility checking system, meaning you will receive an instant result notification and the school will automatically be informed.

To apply, you will be required to register and provide:

  • your National Insurance Number or National Asylum Support Service Reference Number
  • your family name
  • your date of birth
  • you may also be required to upload a copy of your benefit document
Free School Meal Application

 

For primary pupil parents
For secondary pupil parents
For schools