Universal Free School Meals

All children from Reception to Year 6 are now entitled to a free school meal under the government scheme for Universal and Mayor of London initiatives. However, it is important that you still apply for benefit related free-school meals as there may be other benefits for you, your child and the school. These include (when available):

• access to free holiday clubs
• free holiday club meals
• extra funding for the school to support your child in school

How do I apply for free school meals?

You may be entitled to free school meals, saving yourself money and helping to further enhance your child’s education by providing additional funding for the school.

The new eligibility criteria for free school meals will be come in to affect from the 1st September 2026. You will be able to claim free school meals for your child if you receive one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
• meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds. 

Universal Credit eligibility changes

From the 01/09/2026 FSM eligibility is expanding to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. There will be 2 categories of eligibility for families in receipt of Universal Credit. The 2 categories Targeted and Expanded Eligible.

Universal Credit targeted FSM eligibility

Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less (the existing threshold for FSM prior to the expansion), will be eligible for targeted FSM. In addition to receiving free meals, pupils eligible for targeted FSM will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools. Other education entitlements that have previously been linked to eligibility for FSM, such as the Holiday Activities and Food program (HAF) and the ‘extended rights’ element of school travel assistance, will also continue to be based on targeted FSM.

Universal Credit expanded FSM eligibility

Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400 will be entitled to expanded FSM (meals only).

check your children's eligibility for Free School Meals at

https://pps.lgfl.org.uk/

Apply online at

https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/education/student-pupil-support/free-school-meals-and-extra-support-for-your-child

Eat Smart with Taylor Shaw

We are delighted to announce that in September Taylor Shaw will be our new school meals provider. Below you can download some useful information from Taylor Shaw, including a Hello and Welcome,  Medical Diets guide and Newsletter. 

Allergy Children

Our aim is to ensure that children with diagnosed allergies and intolerances are supported and receive a tasty, nutritious, and safe meal. Our nutrition and catering teams work together and follow a robust process, so you can feel reassured that whenever safely possible, an alternative menu will be provided for your child.

Which children will require an alternative menu?

✓ Children with diagnosed food allergies or diagnosed food intolerances
✓ Children with Type 1 Diabetes who require a carbohydrate count
✓ Children with medical conditions requiring a modified menu for example but not limited to: PKU,

Cystic Fibrosis, Ketogenic Diets, Renal Function Impairment

How do I apply for a medical diet?

If your child requires a medical diet, simply click on the "LunchHound" button below and complete the request form on the online portal. To support your request, you must provide medical evidence. This must be in the form of a letter which clearly outlines the child’s food allergies/ intolerances, and must be from a medical doctor, dietitian or Specialist Nurse. We cannot provide a medical diet to a child without medical evidence.

If your child does not require a medical diet, please DO NOT complete a medical diet request form.

For further information download the help guide below.