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Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM): eligibility and funding

Understand how your school is funded for providing universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) and the rules on spending the grant.

Updated
on 24 July 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: Primary•Ref: 11742
Contents
  1. All reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils are eligible
  2. Changes to UIFSM in 2026/27 following the expansion of benefits-based FSM
  3. When and how is the UIFSM grant paid?
  4. How is the UIFSM grant calculated?
  5. Spending the UIFSM grant

All reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils are eligible

This applies to state-funded schools. The school types covered are:

  • Maintained schools
  • Academies
  • Free schools
  • Alternative provision settings, including pupil referral units (PRUs)
  • Non-maintained special schools

When do we need to provide a meal?

You must offer free school meals that meet the school food standards to all your reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils. You have to provide a free lunch:

  • To all eligible pupils
  • Every school day
  • Either in school or at another location where you're providing education (e.g. a trip on a school day)

UIFSM provision only applies to lunch on school days, which means:

  • You're not expected to provide evening meals
  • You don't have to provide lunch on non-school days, including school trips during holidays

The DfE confirmed this.

Changes to UIFSM in 2026/27 following the expansion of benefits-based FSM

From September 2026, all pupils from households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for