Children can get free school meals in two ways:

• Universal free school meals (Reception to Year 2)
  All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to free school meals automatically.
  If you receive certain benefits, your school can also get extra funding called Pupil Premium (£1,550 for primary pupils 2026-27). To make sure the school receives this money, you must complete a free school meal claim form see below, even if your child already gets universal meals.
• Free school meals based on benefits (Year 3 and above)
  Children in Year 3 or above can get free school meals if you receive one of the following:
• Universal Credit
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• the guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Your household has no recourse to public funds (NRPF), and meets the government income thresholds
  • More information is on GOV.UK: Guidance - Providing free school meals to families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) (GOV.UK)(opens new window)
  • If you do meet the eligibility criteria you can contact the free school meals administration team by emailing fsm@wiltshire.gov.uk(opens new window) or telephone 01225 713780 for guidance on how to make an application.

Children who receive Universal Credit in their own right can also get free school meals.