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<p>The department is determined to give every child, regardless of their background,
the very best start in life. Free school meals (FSM) are key to this and we want all
parents whose children are entitled to them, to apply for them. Under-registration
for FSM runs at around 11% (roughly 100,000 children). <br> <br> We want to make sure
as many eligible pupils as possible are claiming their FSM, and to make it as simple
as possible for schools and local authorities to determine eligibility. We provide
an Eligibility Checking System to make the checking process as quick and straightforward
as possible for schools and local authorities. We have developed a model registration
form to help schools encourage parents to sign up for FSM. 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 FSM.</p>
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