Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase awareness of free school meal eligibility among parents with newly eligible children from September 2026.

This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child poverty. To support the expansion of free school meals from September 2026 to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, the department has published guidance for schools and local authorities to support communication with families about the new entitlement.

The department is also providing information to families at the start of the school year to help them understand the new eligibility criteria and how to access support. In addition, we have worked with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that households receiving Universal Credit are provided with information about free school meals eligibility and how to apply.