Parent/Carer Area

Free School Meals

TfC has updated its webpages to provide the most up-to-date information for both families and schools regarding the September 2026 changes to Free School Meals. Please use these pages as your primary source of information:

• Direct families to the TfC FSM page if they have queries – https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/article/21204/Free-School-Meals
• Review the schools webpage for guidance and FAQs for school staff – https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/article/40438/Free-School-Meals-FSM-Expansion-information-for-schools

These pages will be updated regularly – please check them for the latest information before contacting the FSM team.

School websites

We are aware that some school websites contain out of date FSM information. As TfC’s website will be the source of the most up to date information we would encourage schools to remove all current information and update your FSM webpages to the following simple message:

For the latest information on Free School Meals, please visit the TfC website – https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/article/21204/Free-School-Meals

Timescales

Children Currently eligible for FSM – TfC are currently undertaking eligibility checks for all children and young people receiving FSM to determine their status from September 2026. Schools will receive this information next week (w/c 22 June 26), including:

• A list of currently eligible pupils and their September 2026 FSM status
• Template communications for families

Children newly eligible for FSM from September 2026:

• TfC are working with our system provider to enable new FSM applications via the Sunderland Family Portal
• We expect this to go live by the first week of July
• Schools will be sent the link once available

Please note- once the Family Portal is open, do not reapply if you are currently eligible for Free School Meals, as this may affect your current entitlement and delay the TfC’s new application process.

Actions for schools

• Review the TfC FSM webpage for schools
• Update your school website to direct families to TfC FSM information
• Await pupil-level data and communication templates (w/c 22 June) and use these templates to communicate clearly and consistently with families.

 

If you have any questions that are not covered on the website, please contact freeschool.meals@togetherforchildren.org.uk