Free School Meals (FSM) auto-enrolment
Auto-enrolment to make it easier for children in Oxfordshire to receive free school meals
What is auto-enrolment?
Children can receive a school meal if their family meets certain UK government criteria. Auto-enrolment means drawing on existing Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data and county council records to identify and register entitled children for free school meals, without needing to apply.
Benefits for your family
There are many benefits, including:
- Healthy food: Your children get access to nutritious meals. This helps with concentration, attendance, and overall academic performance.
- Saving money: Your family could save up to £450 per year (per child), reducing financial pressures and improving food security.
- More funding for schools: Schools receive more funding to support pupils and benefit from less administrative workload.
What happens if my child is found to be entitled?
If your child is identified as entitled to free school meals but you are not currently registered, we will contact you to let you know. If you choose not to opt out, we would ask your child’s school to register them. You will not need to make an application.
They will start receiving free school meals once the registration has been completed. Your child’s school might also receive additional funding.
What if I don’t want my child to have free school meals?
You can choose not to take part, this is called ‘opting out’. We will write to you to let you know that we have identified your child as entitled and will give you the opportunity to let us know that you want to opt out
Will my child’s school get the additional funding if I opt out?
No. Your child’s school will only be able to receive the additional funding available if they register your child for free school meals. If you choose to opt out, they will not be included.
Data sharing
We will only share information with your child's school if your child is identified as entitled. For more details on how we use your information.
If you have any questions, you can contact the Free School Meals team at free.schoolmeals@oxfordshire.gov.uk