Free School Meals: Changes from September 2026

From September 2026, the government is expanding eligibility for Free School Meals (FSM) to include more families receiving Universal Credit. Whether your child chooses to take these meals or not, registering helps the school secure vital additional funding, which is used entirely to support disadvantaged students.

When your child enrols at Waterwells Primary Academy, you will be given a Pupil Registration Form to complete. As well as completing information for your child, the form also asks parents to complete their personal details (name, NI number, date of birth) so that the school can register their child for them.

Alternatively, the simple online platform that Greenshaw Learning Trust has invested in, makes this a simple process should parents wish to complete it. 

https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims-greenshawlearningtrust

 

My child already receives free school meals—do I need to do anything?

Yes. If your child currently receives free school meals—for example, because they are in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2 (Universal Infant Free School Meals), or through a scheme like the London Universal FSM — it is critical that you register via the portal as these schemes do not automatically award Pupil Premium funding to the school.

 

What information do you need?

The process is quick and simple. You will need:

○ Your own name and date of birth

○ Contact details

○ National Insurance Number (or National Asylum Seekers Number)

○ Child's name and date of birth

○ School your child is attending/will attend.

 

How to apply

Please fill in your details on the Greenshaw Learning Trust OFSM application form (unless you have already registered, or given your details to the school to apply on your behalf), even if you believe you are not entitled to additional funding. The system re-checks details every week, and will automatically update our records if your status changes.

https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims-greenshawlearningtrust

Please note that an application must be completed for each child you have in our school. 

If you would like any help with the application, you are very welcome to come into the school office, and we would be happy to assist you.