Free school meals for nursery age children

With the expansion of childcare entitlements and a growing number of two-year-olds attending school nurseries, we have seen an increase in enquiries regarding eligibility for free school meals for nursery-aged children. 

Children may be eligible for a free school meal if they attend both before and after the lunch period on the same day at a maintained school, maintained nursery school, academy, or free school.

This includes attendance at a school nursery. If you have children who meet this attendance pattern and whose parents meet the economic eligibility criteria for free school meals, please encourage families to check their eligibility via the Hertfordshire County Council website:

Hertfordshire County Council: Free school meals 

If you believe a child in your setting may be eligible, please speak with their parents or carers and support them in making an application.

Once submitted, applications will be visible to you through your SOLERO account, under the report titled: Universal & Nursery Free School Meals Registration

This is the same report used for the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.