Free school meals

To get free school meals a child must attend a primary or secondary school in Torbay.

Universal infant free school meals

Since September 2014 all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at state-funded schools in England receive free school meals. The government made this decision after a recommendation in the School Food Plan.

How to apply for free school meals in Torbay

Many families are eligible to apply for free school meals, a process that takes into account household income. The Torbay Council has published some useful information and an online application at www.torbay.gov.uk/fsm.

It is important to remember that if a child is in Reception, Year 1 or 2 and would be entitled to a free school meal, regardless of the Universal Infant Free School Meals programme, parents or carers should still register using the council form. This is because the child will be eligible to access Pupil Premium funding which will of course affect school provision and capacity for development.

Free School Meals (FSM) offer vital help to eligible families by easing some food-related financial pressures.
However, research across Devon highlights that many families either don’t know they qualify or choose not to apply.


FSM eligibility not only supports individual pupils but also brings additional funding (Pupil Premium) to schools.
Encouraging more families to apply is key to ensuring both students and schools receive the support they deserve.

Consider the following for your school:

  • What is the current level of FSM uptake?
  • Do you actively promote FSM and encourage all families to check eligibility?
  • Is FSM information included in welcome packs for new pupils, highlighting the wider school benefits?
  • Are there ways to help families apply, such as offering time, digital access, or one-to-one support?
  • Could you reduce stigma around FSM by ensuring all pupils receive meals in the same way?

The School Food Plan also provides information on what schools can do to maximise take-up of school meals through its ‘what works well’ page.

Remember to review Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services alongside the School Food standards to help reduce salt, saturated fat and sugar in children’s diets and consult the Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance.