Free School Meals (FSM)

Free School Meals

Important changes from September 2026

Could your child receive free school meals from September 2026?

From September 2026, more children and young people will be able to receive a free
meal at school. This is because free school meal eligibility is expanding to include
children from households receiving Universal Credit.

Many more families may now be eligible, so we are asking parents and carers to
apply if they think this could apply to them.

Applying is worth checking. It could save your family money each week and help
make sure your child can have a meal in school if they want one.

Please apply if:
1. Your household receives Universal Credit
2. Your household receives another qualifying benefit
3. Your child used to receive free school meals, but you are not sure whether
they will still be eligible from September 2026
4. Your circumstances have changed and you think your child may now be
eligible
5. Your young person is in sixth form or school based post 16 provision and you
think they may be eligible

You do not need to work out whether your child qualifies. You only need  to apply. The
eligibility check will do the rest.

Your child will not be treated differently

Children and young people who receive free school meals are not treated differently
in school.

Information shared as part of a free school meal application is handled carefully and
used to check eligibility.

Your child can still bring a packed lunch if they prefer.

Registering simply means they can have a free school meal when they want one.

 
Why applying matters

There are two types of benefits based free school meals from September 2026.

Some pupils will meet the criteria for Targeted free school meals. This means they can receive a free meal and the school may receive additional funding to support pupils.

Other pupils will meet the criteria for Expanded free school meals. This means they can receive a free meal, but this does not automatically bring additional school funding.

You do not need to decide which category applies. The check will confirm this.

How to apply

Applying should only take a few minutes.

Apply here: FSM Application Form

Paper form available from: Reception, call 0121 427 3191 or email enquiries@baskvill.bham.sch.uk

Children from eligible families will be able to access free school meals. Information on the eligibility criteria can be found here: FSM Eligibility

If you think that your child will be eligible for free school meals, please complete the online application: Online FSM Application. You will receive an instant decision and the school will also be notified of the outcome.