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<p>The continuing provision of free school meals to children from out of work families,
or those on low incomes, is of the utmost importance to this government. We want to
make sure as many eligible pupils as possible are claiming their free school meals,
and to make it as simple as possible for schools and local authorities to determine
eligibility. To support this, we already provide an electronic Eligibility Checking
System (ECS) to make the checking process as quick and straightforward as possible
for schools and local authorities. We have also developed a model registration form
to help schools encourage parents to sign up for free school meals. We also provide
guidance to Jobcentre Plus advisers so that they can make Universal Credit recipients
aware that they may also be entitled to wider benefits, including free school meals.</p><p>We
will continue to look at what the most effective schools do and to highlight and disseminate
best practice. We are prepared to consider any further steps we can take to improve
the take-up of free school meals.</p>
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