Free school meals — guidance for schools: what changed on 16 September 2026
- Updated on GOV.UK
- Summary added
In short
The guidance includes a one-off extension for completing FSM eligibility checks for the autumn 2026 school census and adds a link to funding arrangements for school-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools.
Who this affects: School leaders, school staff, governing bodies, local-authority-maintained schools, academies, free schools, non-maintained special schools, and local authorities.
Written by AI, not individually reviewed.
GOV.UK’s note
Updated the guidance document to add information about the one-off extension until 2 November 2026 for completing free school meals eligibility checks for the autumn 2026 school census. Added a link to the funding arrangements for school-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools.
Next steps for paid members
Paid membership includes next steps for each change.