At Hollyfast Primary School, we want to make sure that every family receives the support to which they are entitled.

From September 2026, the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals have changed. All children from households receiving Universal Credit are now entitled to a free school meal, regardless of household earnings.

If you receive Universal Credit, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Who is eligible?

From the 2026/27 academic year, there are two categories of benefits-related Free School Meals:

Targeted Free School Meals

Children from households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less may qualify for Targeted Free School Meals.

As well as providing your child with a free school meal, this eligibility may also attract valuable additional funding for the school, known as Pupil Premium, which is used to support children's education and achievement.

Other qualifying circumstances and benefits may also result in eligibility for Targeted Free School Meals.

Expanded Free School Meals

Children from households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400 are now also entitled to a free school meal.

This is known as Expanded Free School Meals. These pupils receive a free school meal, although this category does not attract Pupil Premium funding.

Reception, Year 1 & Year 2

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 attending a state-funded school are already entitled to a free school meal through Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).

However, we still strongly encourage eligible families to register for benefits-related Free School Meals, even if your child already receives a free meal.

Registering could mean that the school receives additional Pupil Premium funding to support your child's education.

Why apply?

Free School Meals can:

• provide your child with a healthy, nutritious school meal each day

• save families the cost of providing lunches

• ensure that eligible pupils receive the support available to them

• potentially provide Hollyfast with additional Pupil Premium funding to support children's learning and development.

Even if your child does not wish to have a school meal every day, we would still encourage you to apply if you think you may be eligible.

Apply for Free School Meals

Applications are made directly to Coventry City Council and only one application per household is required.

When completing your application, you will need your National Insurance number and details of the benefits you receive.

👉 Apply online directly through Coventry City Council:
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/applyforfreeschoolmeals

Or email admin@hollyfast.coventry.sch.uk and we can apply on your behalf.  Please provide your children name, your name, your date of birth, your National Insurance number and details of the benefits you receive. 

Once your application has been assessed, Coventry City Council will notify you of the outcome and will also inform Hollyfast if your child is entitled to Free School Meals.

Not Sure if You Qualify?

We would encourage you to apply even if you are unsure. Coventry City Council will check your eligibility and confirm whether your child qualifies.

If you need any help completing an application, please contact the school office and we will be happy to support you.

You can also contact Coventry City Council's Free School Meals Team:

📞 024 7683 3773
📧 freeschoolmeals@coventry.gov.uk

Please don't miss out – if you receive Universal Credit, apply for Free School Meals today.

Email: admin@hollyfast.coventry.sch.uk or phone: 02476 332521