Guidance from Derbyshire County Council regarding free school meals and Pupil Premium.
Derbyshire County Council’s Free School Meals (FSM) Checking Team is encouraging all schools to promote registration for Free School Meals and Pupil Premium.
Due to changes in eligibility linked to Universal Credit, more pupils now qualify for free school meals. Once eligibility is confirmed, pupils will remain eligible until July 2027, representing a potential saving of around £500 per year per pupil.
To support an inclusive service and maximise funding, schools are encouraged to ensure that all families complete an application, even where eligibility is not expected, or where pupils bring a packed lunch.
Key points for schools
- Families only need to apply once during a pupil’s time in Derbyshire schools.
- Eligibility status follows the pupil between Derbyshire schools.
- The FSM Checking Team carries out monthly checks to ensure that newly eligible pupils are identified.
Free School Meals national guidance is available on the GOV.UK website.
Eligibilty Criteria
All families in receipt of Universal Credit are eligible for FSM. There are two categories:
- Targeted FSM: households earning less than £7,400 per year
- Expanded FSM: households earning above £7,400 per year (or more than £616 per month from employment)
Additional qualifying benefits include:
- Pension Credit (income-based)
- support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- families with no recourse to public funds
Pupil Premium funding
Pupils eligible under Targeted FSM attract Pupil Premium funding for the school.
Funding continues while eligibility is active, and continues for 6 years after eligibility ends (Ever 6).
This funding plays a significant role in supporting school budgets and pupil outcomes.
Nursery and Infant eligibility
Eligible nursery-age pupils (aged 3+) can receive FSM if they attend sessions covering lunchtime (minimum two hours before and after).
Pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) regardless of household income. However, confirming eligibility helps the setting by attracting Pupil Premium, and the family by providing additional support such as holiday activity funding and help with trips etc.
Changes from September 2026
- Transitional protection ends on 31 August 2026.
- All families will be reassessed under updated eligibility criteria.
Reporting and monitoring
- FSM and Pupil Premium reports are available via the School Access Module (SAM).
- Reports are accessible 24/7.
- All registered pupils will appear with eligibility status.
- Changes in eligibility will occur frequently.
Further information
For additional guidance or support, schools can contact the FSM Checking Team:
Email: checking@derbyshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01629 536481
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