School Meals
Universal Free Meals The universal free school initiative whereby all pupils from Reception to Y2 receive a hot, nutritiously balanced meal each day continues in school this year.We are aiming for 100% take up for midday hot meals, with all children enjoying and taking part in our family service. The benefits are far reaching in terms of health, behaviour and the development of social skills.
Even if your child is eligible for universal free school meals it still pays to apply for Free School Meals if you qualify as you will be entitled to additional benefits such as free school milk, reductions in the cost of school music lessons and a 20% discount on all uniform purchased through the school. There have been important changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility from September 2026, meaning that more children may now be entitled to a free school meal.
If you receive Universal Credit your child can now qualify for Free School Meals regardless of your household earnings.
There are two categories:
Targeted Free School Meals
If your household receives Universal Credit and your annual household earnings are £7,400 or less, your child may qualify for Targeted FSM. This can also mean your child is eligible for Pupil Premium support and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Expanded Free School Meals
If your household receives Universal Credit but your annual household earnings are more than £7,400, your child can now qualify for Expanded FSM. This provides the free school meal, but does not attract Pupil Premium or HAF support.
Do I need to apply?
Yes, if your child is not already registered for Free School Meals, please apply.
Eligibility needs to be checked and verified before your child can be registered. You can apply through the Northumberland County Council Citizen Portal.
Apply for Free School Meals through GOV.UK
If you already receive Free School Meals, you do not need to make a new application simply because the rules have changed. Your eligibility will be checked under the new criteria.
Why should I apply?
Even if you think your household income is too high, if you receive Universal Credit, it is now worth checking your eligibility.
Applying helps make sure your child receives everything they are entitled to and ensures that school records and funding are accurate.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children continue to receive Universal Infant Free School Meals regardless of household income. However, if you receive Universal Credit, it is still important to register your child for benefits-based FSM as they may qualify for additional support.
If you are unsure whether you qualify or need help with an application, please contact the Sele First School office and we will be happy to help.
KS2 Healthy Packed Lunches: We are a Healthy School. We ask that sweets, fizzy drinks and crisps are not included in packed lunches. We appreciate your cooperation and support in keeping lunch boxes healthy.
Allergy Aware School: We are an allergy aware school, no nuts are permitted in school, this includes in packed lunches.
Dietary Forms: Dietary Forms will be sent out to each child in school next week to capture any information the school and school kitchen needs to help ensure we have up to date information on special dietary requirements such as allergies, intolerances and preferences. We would ask for all parents to read this form and return to school, completing as a nil return if there are no such needs.