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<p>The continuing provision of free school meals (FSM) to children from out of work
families or those on low incomes is of the utmost importance to this government and
we are committed to ensuring that disadvantaged children and young people benefit
from FSM. We estimate that under the new eligibility criteria introduced last April,
the number of pupils eligible for FSM will increase by 2022 when compared to the old
system.</p><p>Further to this, we expect many more pupils to be receiving FSM due
to the generous protections that we have put in place. The department will continue
to publish statistics on FSM as part of its annual publication ‘Schools, pupils and
their characteristics’<em>, </em>and the latest version is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2018"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2018</a>.</p><p>Following
the change to FSM eligibility criteria under Universal Credit in April 2018, we published
a technical note that set out the methodology for our analysis. This highlighted the
uncertainty within the analysis and how outputs might change where we received revised
economic forecasts, for example. The technical note is attached, and can also be found
at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/707466/Additional_free_school_meal_pupils_under_Universal_Credit.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/707466/Additional_free_school_meal_pupils_under_Universal_Credit.pdf</a>.</p><p>The
department has provided guidance, attached, to schools and local authorities to support
them in implementing the change to FSM criteria. We will continue to communicate with
local authorities, schools, and parents, including when any changes are made to the
guidance.</p>
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