Free School Meals (FSM)
FSM communications
FSM voucher information
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.
Free School Meals renewals 2025
Renewals will commence in June 2025. Instructions for DfE Early Adopters are still awaited from DfE. Once available they will be published on the Grid
A reminder that all eligible FSM pupils going into Year 3 from Year 2 must re-apply for a Free School Meal for academic year starting in September 2025.
School meals for Ukrainian refugees
This bulletin provides guidance on providing meals for this group.
Promoting Free School Meals (FSM)
Below are some FSM communications you may wish to share with (prospective) parent/families of pupils at your school, to support raise awareness and take up particularly amongst families who would benefit from the service.
Some suggestions as to how you may utilise these articles include:
- circulating to prospective families at summer open days/evenings
- add to your school website
- weekly/monthly school newsletters
Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) applications – Reception to year 2
Please continue to encourage parents/guardians to apply for a FSM (Children who have moved from year 2 to year 3 must reapply). An application for a FSM can be made via the Hertfordshire County Council website and selecting Free School Meals then clicking on the tab stating ‘apply for a free school meal (year 3 and older)’.
This article provides information about promoting UIFSM applications.
Education benefit matrix
This matrix provides details of the help with costs of education that are available.
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.