Free school meals

What are benefits-eligible free school meals?

• Benefits-eligible free school meals are given to children in both primary and secondary schools across the country, including Tower Hamlets, whose household receives means tested benefits and/or other entitlements; read more on entitledto.co.uk and gov.uk.
• Benefits-eligible free school meals is NOT the same as Universal Infant Free School Meals, which provides a government funded meal for every student in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.
• In Tower Hamlets too, this is complimented by local authority funded meals for those in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.
• In secondary schools, only benefits-eligible free school meals are provided for free.

​Individual schools are responsible for the provision of benefits-eligible free school meals (FSM).

The council are helping some schools with the provision of a food voucher. If you think you may be eligible for free school meals and are not receiving anything - contact your child's school directly.

Anyone who wishes to make a new application for benefits-eligible free school meals can find information here.

Arrangements will vary by school, and meal options will not necessarily be a cooked meal.
In Contract Services schools (where a school pays the council to provide its catering) we are serving freshly cooked hot meals.