Free School Meals (FSM)
FSM Resources
FSM - Change of School
The link below should be used for all pupils from Reception to Year 13, for those pupils who have joined, are leaving, or have never attended your school. This process has been introduced following the closure of Solero (Year 3+) to standardise procedures and ensure that all required information is available to enable the successful transfer of pupils when they change schools.
Hertfordshire.Gov.UK: Pupils joining or leaving your school
DFE Free Schools Meal system
Below are slides and powerpoint presentations. The school walkthrough is a guide how to use the system from start to finish. The other slides are from Town Hall events that were held soon after launch of new DFE FSM system.
Free School Meals (FSM) guidance - SEND
This guidance is specific for children who have an EHCP and are receiving an education other than at school (EOTAS) packages. Eligibility criteria and support for families of children receiving an education other than at school (EOTAS).
Providing Free School Meals to families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)
This article provides guidance about FSM eligibility for families with NRPF and how schools can support families with applications.
FSM transitional protection
This bulletin provides updated information about FSM transitional protection. At present HCC are awaiting further guidelines from DFE and as soon as we have an update this will be shared via school bulletin as well as being visible on The Grid.
Free School Meals renewals 2026
At present, there is no information regarding Free School Meal (FSM) renewals for the academic year starting in September 2026.
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and the Department for Education (DfE) are currently working together on the renewal process following the move to a new system for Year 3+, and changes to eligibility criteria and transitional protection from September 2026.
Further details, including any actions required by schools, will be shared via the school bulletin as soon as they are available. This is expected to be late spring.
All pupils who are eligible for FSM in Year 2 must reapply when moving into Year 3. Due to changes in transitional protection, HCC will be unable to add pupils to school records for Year 3 unless a new FSM application has been made in the new academic year.
Applications for Free School Meals to commence in September 2026, should not be made until schools have been made aware that the eligibility checking service has been updated with new eligibility criteria.That is expected to be late June but still awaiting a confirmed date. Schools will be notified of date , via school bulletin and article on HFL Grid once HCC are aware that change has been made. This applies to all age groups.
School meals for Ukrainian refugees
This bulletin provides guidance on providing meals for this group.
Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) applications – Reception to year 2
Parents/guardians can apply for a FSM for pupils in KS1 using this link Free School Meals (Universal Infant / Nursery) - register. Pupils who moved from year 2 to year 3 must reapply at the start of the academic year.
All FSM records for UIFSM years are available on SOLERO system. Please check this report on a regular basis.
Music applications for support with music fees.
The application process for support with music fees (100% remission and 50%) changed in June 2022.
- Families wishing to view information or apply for music should visit Hertfordshire Music Service
- For families unable to make an online application:
- Schools are advised to support the family make the application on their behalf. Schools should speak to Hertfordshire Music Service (HMS) directly regarding offline applications.
- At present HMS do not have a telephone number for offline referrals, however families can email the dedicated inbox for financial support applications: remission@herfordshire.gov.uk.