Free School Meals and HAAF

Is you child entitled to received Free School Meals?

Changes to Free School Meal eligibility 

We would like to highlight an important update regarding new eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (FSM). From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, ALL children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free meal, regardless of earnings. There will be 2 categories

• Targeted FSM, which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. Pupils eligible for Targeted FSM will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools. 

 

• Expanded FSM (meals only), a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit

Many more families will become eligible for the first time under the expanded FSM criteria. To ensure that those families can receive free meals at the beginning of 26/27 acedemic year in August, please apply without delay.

Transitional protection ending

Since 1 April 2018, all existing free school meals claimants have continued to receive free school meals while Universal Credit is rolled out. This applies regardless of any change in household circumstances, including if their earnings rise above the threshold during that time. Protections remain in place until the end of the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

• Existing protections end at the end of the 2025/26 academic year
• From Sept 2026, eligibility depends on current criteria again

You must submit an application to access this entitlement. 

Eligiblity will run for the academic year, re-checks will be carried out at the beginning of each new acedemic year to determine current status for the following year.

 

Apply for FSM

Applying for FSMs is quick and easy, you can ring the School Food Support team at Leicestershire County Council.

By telephone 0116 3055417  or

Online at  www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, just call the above number to check. Our school office team can support you with the application process if it would be helpful, just call us at school 01530 412243. If you have any questions, we are always happy to help.

 

Free hopping good fun with holiday clubs and gym passes for eligible young people across Leicestershire

 

Free holiday clubs are being offered in Leicestershire again this summer for eligible families from Wednesday 8^th July.

 

Families with children aged four-to-16 receiving benefits-related free school meals can sign up now for the Government-funded places at venues across the county. 

 

Organised locally by Leicestershire County Council with support from Active Together, the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) programme ‘Holidays Together’ offers up to 4 sessions for each child over the summer holidays.  

 

From summer-themed activities, sports, crafts and a healthy meal each day – there’s something for everyone!

 

Sessions take place across Leicestershire – check the full list at www.active-together.org/holidays-together / www.leicestershire.gov.uk/haf

 

Booking Summer Leicestershire HAF places

 

Booking your child’s HAF place is now easier than ever! It has been made quicker and simpler for families in Leicestershire to book free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions.

All bookings are now done online using our new EEQU booking system.

What this means for you

 

· No codes to remember or share - EEQU checks eligibility automatically

· Easy to use on your phone, tablet or computer

· Your account is created automatically when you make your first booking

· See all activities in one place

· Request bookings for multiple children at the same time

· Get clear booking confirmations and reminders

 

How to book a HAF place

 

Don’t worry - it’s really simple! To get started, click here eequ.org/leicestershirehaf

· Go to the HAF booking page

· Answer a few simple questions

· Choose your HAF holiday club sessions

· Confirm your booking

✔ That’s it – your child’s place is booked!

Places are limited, so we encourage you to book early.

 

Who can book?

Free HAF places are available for children who:

· Are aged 4–16

· Live in Leicestershire

· Receive benefits-related free school meals