Free School Meals v Universal Infant Free School Meals
Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM)
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM). This offer does not depend on your household income or whether you receive any benefits, every child in these year groups is eligible to take up the offer. Being entitled to UIFSM does not necessarily mean you are entitled to support available during school holidays or in the event of school closures, that support is based on whether you are eligible for FSM.
Free School Meal (FSM)
A free school meal (FSM) does depend on your household income and if you receive certain benefits. If you meet the eligibility criteria it is extremely important that you claim for this. The meal your child receives will be no different and it will mean you are eligible to receive any support available during school holidays or in the event of school closures.
In addition, schools receive funding from the Government for every child that is or has been registered for Free School Meals (FSM) at any time in the last six years. This funding is called Pupil Premium and is used to support children’s learning.
