Wales

Free school meals are not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. This means children can receive free school meals regardless of their immigration status if they meet the eligibility requirements, or where meals are provided universally.

Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM)

The Welsh Government funds free school meals for all primary school children in Wales. This includes children in all primary year groups who attend a state school. This provision does not usually apply to children attending a private or independent school, unless the placement has been arranged by a local authority.

Nursery, secondary and sixth form pupils

Free school meals may also be available to children and young people who are attending:

nursery provision delivered through a school
a secondary or high school
a sixth form

A child may qualify if their family:

receives Home Office asylum support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (including section 95 or section 98 support), or
receives a qualifying benefit

Qualifying benefits include:

Universal Credit (where the household’s net earned income is less than £7,400 per year, excluding benefits)
Income Support
income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income related Employment and Support Allowance
the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit

Families with no recourse to public funds

Local authorities in Wales can provide free school meals on a discretionary basis to children who do not meet the standard eligibility criteria. This may include families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

The Welsh Government encourages local authorities to consider providing free school meals where a child is not eligible due to their family’s immigration status. Families in this situation should contact their local council for more information.