Free School Meals
Free School Meals text
Free School Meals (FSM) at Kingsway Primary School
Support for Families and Funding for Children
At Kingsway Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every family receives the support they are entitled to. Free School Meals (FSM) can provide valuable support for families and can also unlock additional funding that helps schools provide targeted support, resources and opportunities for eligible children.
We encourage all families who may be eligible to apply, even if their child does not wish to take a school meal every day.
Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026
The Government has introduced changes to the way benefits-based Free School Meals are allocated from September 2026.
From this date, there will be two categories of benefits-based Free School Meals.
Targeted Free School Meals (Targeted FSM)
Children will qualify for Targeted FSM if their household:
- receives Universal Credit, and
- has an annual household earnings threshold of £7,400 or less (after tax and excluding benefits).
Children who qualify for Targeted FSM:
- receive free school meals
- attract Pupil Premium funding for the school
- may be eligible for additional support such as school transport assistance under extended rights criteria
Expanded Free School Meals (Expanded FSM)
From September 2026, a new category called Expanded FSM will be introduced.
Children will qualify for Expanded FSM if their household:
- receives Universal Credit, but
- does not meet the earnings threshold required for Targeted FSM.
Children eligible for Expanded FSM:
- will receive free school meals
- will not attract Pupil Premium funding
- will not become part of the Ever 6 FSM cohort
Universal Infant Free School Meals (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)
All children in:
- Reception
- Year 1
- Year 2
will continue to receive a free school meal through the Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM) scheme, regardless of family income.
However, if your family receives Universal Credit and may be eligible for either Targeted FSM or Expanded FSM, it is still important that you apply.
This helps ensure:
- your child receives any additional entitlements they may qualify for
- the school receives the correct funding to support pupils and families
Why applying matters
Registering for Free School Meals may help provide additional support for children and families.
For children eligible for Targeted FSM, schools receive Pupil Premium funding, which is used to support:
- high-quality teaching and learning
- early intervention and inclusion support
- pastoral and wellbeing provision
- enrichment opportunities
- resources that help children thrive both academically and personally
At Kingsway, this funding helps us continue to provide the inclusive and supportive environment that sits at the heart of our school values.
Important information for existing Free School Meal families
Previous transitional protections for Free School Meals will end at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
This means that from September 2026, eligibility must be confirmed against the new criteria.
Kingsway Primary School will carry out regular eligibility checks in line with government guidance to ensure families continue to receive their correct entitlement.
How to Apply
If you think your family may be eligible for Free School Meals, please complete the school's application process as soon as possible.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, we would strongly encourage you to apply. Our team is happy to help and any information you provide will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Need Help?
We understand that applications and eligibility criteria can sometimes feel confusing. If you would like support or advice, please contact the school office.
📞 0161 748 1867
📧 kingswayadmin@inspiringlearners.co.uk
You can also seek independent advice from:
Trafford Family Information Service
📧 FIS@trafford.gov.uk
📞 0161 912 1053