The DfE intends to issue communications shortly confirming a one-off extension to the autumn school census deadline for completing FSM eligibility checks. 

For the autumn 2026 census only, the deadline for completing and recording FSM eligibility checks will move from 1 October to 2 November 2026.  

Shortly, updated guidance will be communicating more widely to the sector via updates to the Free School Meals Guidance, the school census guidance, and the DfE Update.