Access to free school meals for families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and the 2 year old early education entitlement for children

On Thursday 24 March, following a cross-government review, DfE confirmed the permanent extension of eligibility for free school meals to children from all families with NRPF, subject to specified income thresholds.

This permanent extension is now in place to ensure children can continue to access healthy, nutritious meals to help them concentrate, learn and achieve in the classroom. The department has published guidance which includes advice on how schools can check and validate eligibility.