What is Expanded Free School Meals?

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically entitled to Free School meals provided by the Department for Education, but from September 2026, Free School meals will be expanded to include children from any family in receipt of Universal Credit. 

How is Pupil Premium different?

The Pupil Premium describes additional funding provided to schools to support disadvantaged children  who are vulnerable to possible underachievement to improve educational outcomes.  To accurately identify these children, the Department for Education is targeting families in receipt of Universal Credit who have earnings of less than £7,400 per year. Pupils from families who fall into this group are entitled to free school meals PLUS additional funding for their school to improve their educational outcomes. At Merley First School, disadvantaged children also have access to one free after-school club, half-price attendance at breakfast club, one free school jumper or cardigan each year and half-price school trips. 

This group of children also includes those looked after by the local authority and those who have been adopted but who were formerly looked after.

Click here to check your eligibility for Expanded Free School Meals and Pupil Premium funding and here to read the DfE guidance on Pupil Premium Funding.